Planned cuts to former presidents’ perks face legal hurdles

28 September 2024 08:44 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 103 Bookmark

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The government has initiated action to review the benefits of former Presidents to be pruned according to a criterion since some curtailments require legal amendments to be enacted by the next Parliament, a top source said.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during his election campaign, pledged to scrap benefits of the former Presidents, including pension benefits.

However, the benefits for them are decided in terms of the provisions of the Presidents Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986.

According to the law, every former President and every widow of a former President, during his or her lifetime, is entitled to the use of an appropriate residence free of rent.

In case an appropriate residence is not provided, a monthly allowance equivalent to one-third of the monthly pension should be paid.

For every former President, a monthly secretarial allowance equivalent to the monthly salary is payable to the person holding the office of Private Secretary to the President should be paid. For the widow of a former President, a monthly secretarial allowance equivalent to the monthly salary payable to the person holding the office of Private Secretary to a Cabinet Minister should be paid.

They are also entitled to official transport and all such other facilities being provided to a Cabinet Minister at the moment. Besides, a pension is paid from the Consolidated Fund.

A top source close to the President said the government will review all these benefits and work out a criterion for the curtailment of them in keeping with the election promise.

“We will see whether extra benefits have been granted. Benefits outlined in the Act can be pruned only through legal amendments,” the source said.

The matter is to be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting scheduled for next Monday.

Comments - 103

Give This New Team A Handsome Vote on 14th Nov Saturday, 28 September 2024 08:57 AM

This government is people friendly and development friendly for the people too. No more Authoritarian Vibes, only serious hardworking Vibes”! Hope the public can feel and see the direction taken these coming weeks of this new team and give them the opportunity to win handsomely on 14th Nov. Will definitely take some time to remove and replace obstacles which have been engraved over the years by those previous regimes. So long there is improvements for the majority every week, they are doing a great job:)

19 195

Sandy Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:22 AM

Former politicians also have rights, they risked their lives and some of them survived LTTE attacks . People don't need them now but their rights can't be trampled.

158 48

No more public money to provide for lavish lives of former polis Sunday, 29 September 2024 03:05 PM

No, former politicians did it foremost for the status and satisfaction they got, and the money and materials they can get from themselves and their relatives. They can resign anytime they wanted, but they wanted the vast excessive benefits given to them as politicians. Any referendum to strip former presidents of their continued tax payer lavish lifestyle will easy. No poor villagers would want to give money to former politicians! There is too much poor people to care about a handful of former politicians, like Sirisena, mother of Sajith, or any Rajapaksa. They achieved nothing for the country except bankruptcy and long term bad results. Be gone with them all.

3 23

Bandara Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:59 AM

I do agree with you . Here its worthy to be noted the our past presidents has been entitled for unbelievable facilities even after their period of presidentship. Actually those factors are unbearable for the for Srilankan taxpayers. Besides that according to my view we don't want carrying such a burden any longer. Thay came to power to serve the nation as thay urged from nation.Most of their jobs are not worth. I hope new government will do the needed. (Cut off all the facilities and allowances for past Presidents)

10 98

Ishan Junus Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:01 AM

Honourable President, this has to be done on priority. As this is one of the burning issue for the nation for feeding these beggers on Tax payers money. Pls expedite this and curtail these unnecessary expenses

13 153

LORD, GIVE ANURA AND HIS TEAM INTO THE INSIGHT AS TO HOW THIS MAJOR ISSUE CAN BE SLICED OUT AND OR REDUCED. Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:32 AM

ISHAN I DO AGREE WITH YOU AND THE MAJORITY TOO, BUT DON'T REFER TO THEM AS BEGGERS!! CORRUPTION HAS ENABLED THEM TO STASH AWAY MILLIONS AND MORE ENOUGH TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES INTO THE NEXT GENERATION AND GENERATIONS AFTER THAT. I REFER TO THEM AS SCUM OF THE EARTH THAT HAVE LOST RESPECT, INTERGRITY, HONESTY, COMPASSION AND LOST THEIR WAY INTO A SMALL SOCIETY THAT IF NOT STOPPED WILL GROW LIKE A CANCER, WHILE THE POOR KEEP STRUGGLING FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

2 59

Rearrange Obsolete Laws To Meet Current Requirements Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:11 AM

All laws can be amended accordingly. Have your “A team of professionals” to rearrange those obsolete laws which makes corruption, defrauding and wastage of government funds possible. Most of these laws were prepared in anticipation of the previous regime’s to benefit in someway! Only then there will be accountability and transparency for all parties involved. Remember, Sri Lanka is still Bankrupt and all must take action to minimise wastage, unnecessary expenditures and on perks on current and previous office holders soonest. PEOPLE LIKE GOTA (GR) WHO RESIGNED MUST NOT RECEIVE ANY PERKS OR ENTITLEMENTS. If you work for any organisation and resign, are you entitled to enjoy their perks and bonuses??

5 125

Be Fair Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:12 AM

So they didnt check the act before getting on stage?

82 73

Unfair Comments Needs To Be Addressed Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:45 AM

@Be fair - you to need to be fair too! They just took over and will need time to rewrite obsolete laws which makes the country backwards. This is one of the main issues bleeding the government funds which is being paid by taxpayers and from loans.

18 87

BanduXX Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:50 AM

They did check and that's why they say Benefits outlined in the Act can be pruned only through legal amendments. So their manifesto is a broad outline of action and when power is given, ways and means need to be assessed. You cannot do like putting on a switch. Also await new Parliament in November to get majority. They will get there slowly and surely, not by Edict but done lawfully.

7 84

C Fernando Saturday, 28 September 2024 04:47 PM

Agree with you. If they were properly prepared they should have looked into the legal framework under which these benefits are being provided and had a plan in place for how the issue would be addressed. Clearly they didn't have a clue and these were just populist promises made from the election platforms. I wonder how many more promises have been made without adequate background research into the feasibility. Of course, the majority of commenters here who are behaving like love-struck teenagers, same way they did with Gota, will rush to dislike my comment and defend their hero! That's ok. They will soon learn!!

21 16

Even to get rid of Presidency need parliament votes Sunday, 29 September 2024 11:17 AM

The creation of Executive presidency is one of the reasons for the problem. Getting rid of it, will need parliament support or otherwise a referendum. Having referendum would be better. No point complaining about them, as it's insane to expect that much changes so quickly. First thing, is uproot corruption and AKD and his small cabinet are onto that.

0 3

Soori Maripalan Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:12 AM

It is a good idea to abolish these payments to all Kalakanniyas set by the Satan JRJ! He may be enjoying all at Apaya while poor people are suffering!

16 87

wsw Saturday, 28 September 2024 03:56 PM

I couldn't agree more, the beginning of the end of our country began courtesy of JRJ, who was consumed with greed and power, almost Fifty years later we are still paying for those sins.

3 24

D P P Prasad Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:13 AM

It is an election pledge that the benefits and the perks are being enjoyed by former presidents to be curtailed. It should be executed. The presidents appointed so far are not divine they are also just ordinary persons like us. The funds which are allocated to nurture and look after them from the consolidated fund are belonging to us. As tax payers we are contributing a huge amount to the consolidated fund. Therefore special bill should be brought to the house once it will be convened in order to moot the possibilities of curtailing the privileges being enjoyed by the former presidents and their widows

8 56

Citizens Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:32 AM

Oh! Well, why didn't you look into these legal aspects before you promised all these things? Got to be careful when you make promises, after all, a promise is a promise!

69 50

BanduXX Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:59 AM

A manifesto is what is proposed in broad outline. Now the stage to implement it and ways and means are being looked at, to achive the objective legally and within the Law. Take it easy. Also Parliamentary approval only after Nov. 21st.

11 60

Wiseman Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:13 AM

I guess he did not expect to be the president. Atleast he is trying now to deliver all the promises. Lets give him the majority in parliament and then he can get this done.

9 34

Daya Amarashinghe Sunday, 29 September 2024 12:14 PM

cBK too promised to scrap the Presidency. Neelan Tiruchelvam was helping her.Ranil went with her to the last moment and then sabotaged it when the proposal was brought to the parliament. RW's man burnt the document in the parliament when the debate was going on. RW is one of the scum who ruined this country. ADB's chiefship- who planted this idea. I do not think that the ADB is so low cultured

1 1

Kumari Sen Saturday, 28 September 2024 02:51 PM

It is an important promise that citizens wanted. It can be done provided NPP wins 2/3 in the General Election. Are you saying it shouldn't have been promised? Any government can reverse decisions made by a previous government but the mechanism vary. Some can be changed overnight and the others will require more effort. This could be an important message to the public. NPP should tell people to give them 2/3 majority to repeal these perks.

10 29

sam Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:45 AM

Past Presidents have their own palaces in Colombo and elsewhere. Why should the poor give them houses?

5 78

Russel Harmmer Saturday, 28 September 2024 12:05 PM

Exactly Sam, you are 100% correct. Moreover, the previous Presidents have given their Official premises on rent/lease and residing in their houses. What a crime? Why should the poor give the nasty ruthless Presidents.

2 33

Dinesh Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:45 AM

Can give fancy promises to the public. But it is not able to implement it. According to the labour laws and human rights it will not possible to remove the already granted benefits anyone.

52 30

Hasa Saturday, 28 September 2024 01:57 PM

Did they say they will remove it, wait until the general election. It can be removed but would become illegal and misuse of power. Did they say they will never do, they said they will do

5 18

Nalin Rathnayake Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:52 AM

I am eager to know the monthly salary and pension of a former president. Also what are the benefits that the former presidents receive from the public tax considering their great effort to enhance publics' quality of life.. lol.

3 42

Sunethra Rajapaksa Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:55 AM

Can a RTI be made to get this information

0 10

Dilakshan Seneviratne Saturday, 28 September 2024 06:42 PM

Monthly allowance of Rs 97,500/-, Secretarial allowance Rs 100,000/- plus a fuel allowance ranging from Rs500,000/- to Rs 704,000/-. Widows Pension Rs 65,000/- Secretarial Rs 23,000/- only.

2 2

Fact Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:58 AM

No wonder, none of the elected Presidents never made any attempts to do away with this system despite assurances to the public.

1 37

Fernando Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:58 AM

Easy to say hard to implement. However do what you promised Mr AKD.

1 58

wickrama Wijayasiri Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:02 AM

Fair enough. All public employees in general are entitled for a pension, after qualifying for such. It is excesses we are talking about. The figure being in public media is around Rs.5M/p.m., for a widow, which is beyond belief.

2 25

Alisten Joseph Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:08 AM

I believe President know what to do . They should not have expensive houses to live in colombo. If the government give benefits it should be: 1. One full term or 4 years 2.Allocate houses outside Colombo 3.Restrict monthly allowance and let them manage those amounts and increase with inflation rather than government paying. 4.Stop all the benefits with minimum pension and allowances if they have other income over certain amount from other sources. Mind you we are living on world/imf bank loan and all previous presidents are totally responsible for this. Look at developed counties and see how every tax payers fund is used. We need money for health.

2 31

Adwani Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:08 AM

This way, the new President will be able save lots and lots. No former presidents will get any 'Appa with Kata Sambol' from Hilton Hotel. Since, Maithri the former president settled Appa bill to Hilton Hotel running into millions of rupees, the food was ordered by Mahinda mama's regime.

3 28

That is India and this is... Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:13 AM

I remember reading that when Lal Bahadur Shastri - the late Indian Prime Minister died his wife moved to a very small house. She was in dire poverty, because she was not entitled to any payment. This is the state of the wife of a Prime Minister,who solved several nagging problems with neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan.

2 30

Denys Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:22 AM

Change the constitution

4 41

Citizen A Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:32 AM

Be brave and prune down the benefits or abolish it. The ordinary people are suffering while these people who bankrupted the country are living in luxury.

3 36

Lalith Weerasinghe - Middle Class Citizen of SL Saturday, 28 September 2024 12:19 PM

Your request is reasonable. Why we pay for these rubbish idiots who ruined our country. Gota was given 200 Security personal with seven bullet proof vehicles. Was it a gift from Ranil for making him as a President? Hon. President, Prune down all the benefits these rascals enjoy and throw them out to their hometown. Meantime, never forget to get the looted money from these evil men.

2 31

Game on Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:45 AM

Lots of things will be the same if they don't get 2/3 in the general election. If that happens, AKD will be the executive president for the next 5 years and all other past politicians will receive all the benefits as usual without any doubt. NPP government can easily say that "we're unable to change the constitution because our hands are tied." Then what happens is, they will enjoy the batting field as much as they can and declare after 5 years for another team to bat. That's the game here. Will see if they are truly fighting for the 2/3 majority. I doubt that.

27 20

Roberta Flack Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:49 AM

After 70 years we are finally seeing how a proper government works.

12 33

Prof. Lionel Ratnayake Saturday, 28 September 2024 12:09 PM

Don't doubt at all, our New President will keep up his promises. The residence and the pension of those former Presidents who ruined our country should be scrapped off.

9 21

Rip Winkle Saturday, 28 September 2024 01:25 PM

There are (in my opinion) two types of people who will not agree with you ... 1. Those who benefited in one way or another during the previous governments. 2. Idiots.

10 14

C Fernando Sunday, 29 September 2024 08:40 AM

Really? We might soon be seeing stars.

1 1

Silva Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:59 AM

Best and easiest way is to abolish the Act. Let them live on their own. Same way abolishe pension scheme for MPS.

4 32

P.M.D. Durrent - Senior Economist Saturday, 28 September 2024 12:14 PM

The Executive President may have powers to abolish the dam act. created by JR. Abolishing the act will save some billions for our nation, which is most important. Hon. AKD, please act fast on abolishing the act and pull of the Pensions and the houses for Presidents including the extra vehicles and Security. Then apply the same formula for the Ex-Ministers and MPs.

2 20

Ram P Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:29 AM

It was common knowledge that to remove many perks Legal enactments needs amendments that must be passed through Parliament. All those who support the move must start a campaign to educate the voters on this score that without a Parliamentary majority many promises cannot be kept. We all must start now to convince the voters in these issues

0 12

Abd Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:39 AM

This dirty pension act was the last act passed by then very unpopular 70-77 government with support of whole parliament members including politically firebrand Vasu and other socialists, but ultimate result of spending People’s money on these useless fellows is bankruptcy of the country,hope NPP jump over every hurdle to revoke this rogue pension out

0 17

M Fernando Sunday, 29 September 2024 05:46 AM

If Act was passed by 70-77 government, how come it has a date of 1986 ?

2 1

Abd Tuesday, 01 October 2024 07:34 AM

@m.Fernando, the concept of pension for parliamentarians started by sirima government,later that revised after executive presidency established,as far as I remember

0 0

GAME LOST PERIOD. Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:49 AM

GAME ON, YOU HAVE LOST YOUR GAME BEFORE EVEN WALKINH ONTO THE FIELD!!, SORRY TO SAME SOME PEOPLE HAVE THEIR BRAINS IN SLEEP MODE WHEN RESPONDING, THOSE ARE FORGIVEN AND WE SHOULD MOVE ON.

7 3

Ima Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:51 AM

There was so much talking on election stages regarding loans taken by politicians and their henchmen in billions,when they were in power, but not bothered to paid back, we NPP voters willing to know, what action taken by minister in charge to collect them back

0 11

Why political talks Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:52 AM

Typical game of politics by Anura, the so called brother

17 11

jimbo Saturday, 28 September 2024 12:02 PM

First get all the assets and liabilities of all the government employees, MPs and politicians. Then make it public. Thereafter find out how they got these assets and also how they got the loans from various banks and finance companies.

0 11

Damith Saturday, 28 September 2024 12:10 PM

Even if an elected President is entitled to certain privileges, it should not be given to someone who has not served his term in full. Also it should not be extended to his wife upon his death, as in the case of Sajith, the son is a parliamentarian and could have become a President

3 6

sea lanka wiswa karma Saturday, 28 September 2024 01:03 PM

YES yes noh ? I ask sea lanka peoples give 80% noh....but sea lanka peoples give me 42% noh. Now asking to give this and that and do this and that ..Iam not wiswakarmaya noh?

7 4

Suresh Saturday, 28 September 2024 01:34 PM

If you have the power to increase tax, then you have the powers to amend any benefits as well, where necessary new laws can be passed

1 6

Gunapala Saturday, 28 September 2024 01:47 PM

Is this a priority? First reduce cost of living for the suffering people. Reduce tax, fuel and electricity prices as promised during election campaign.

9 14

Iwazaru Saturday, 28 September 2024 02:21 PM

This coulb be done by amending the constitution with a 2/3 majority in parliament. The NPP will this majorly at the next general election and all the perks for ex presidents will be removed. This is one of the main pledges by the NPP during the last presidential election. The people need to give the NPP the required majority to carry out the reform.

4 9

HardTruth Saturday, 28 September 2024 02:22 PM

Dear Negative Commentators, Wait, certain old and bad habits of previous goverments cannot be changed immediatetly with in a week. NPP's manifesto cannot include all technical implementation, that is upto lawyers, law makers, and legal draftsmen. Laws can be mend and bend but needs to be done accordingly abd democratily. Revision to these old unfriendly laws will be dealt accordingly. One can wait nine to ten months but laws can take some time because a inclusive decision to be made conclusvely with proper implentation details . Sri Lanka had enough with breaking laws unlawfully and undemocraticly. 76 years of habits cannot be changed with in a week. More than public these chnages are more important for NPP, these are part of promises these will be fullfilled with accordingly in due course.

4 12

Hard ruth Saturday, 28 September 2024 02:33 PM

A simple majority will also help them revise old laws and acts. So peope must be wise to give atleast simple majority.

4 7

Asanka Saturday, 28 September 2024 02:41 PM

If you don't get 2/3, can't you go for JANAWARAMA ? I am curious to know.

1 3

[email protected] Saturday, 28 September 2024 02:42 PM

This is always a very popular move in existing desparate situation of all working class masses. ExPresidents do not need all these perks and previleges expect only one pension. Don't this NPP president and the cabinet ministers deserve a pension, possibly after 10 years in office continously, making the real change for a richer country? Country needs a new constitution to curtail unnecessary perks and dictatorial powers of one person. If the new constitution passes almost same powers to an executive premier as then president and her group wanted in 2000, there will be another Aragalaya. That is why any parliament needs a stronger opposition when passing a new constitution if the ruling parting is more biased towards a communist constitution eliminating democratic values. Now it is inevitable NPP getting the majority of the parliament. People also need a strong opposition in numbers with generals who could democratically combat like DeltaForce to face possibleAutocraticTeam in polity

6 5

wsw Saturday, 28 September 2024 03:51 PM

A pension Yes, extended privileges, certainly a big No.

0 7

Kevin Saturday, 28 September 2024 03:26 PM

The Act can be changed but it takes until November 21 the latest. Until then former presidents will enjoy those perks. There are 6 of them. One drawing presidential benefits for 35 years. Another 30 years. Another 19 years. Yet another 9 years. The other two 5 and 2 years. Too much.

1 7

roobarbie Saturday, 28 September 2024 04:04 PM

These kind of perks are not provided to past presidents and their widows of even the richest state of the world, The United States. Mr President, once your NPP has been returned to the parliament with a majority, please pass legislation to put a stop to this nonsense and great social injustice. The average people in this country find it hard to get a square meal for their families, to get health care and to get their children educated, while these loafers in retirement are treated as if they are in heaven. Such scroungers. Shame on them.

1 7

ANURA NEEDS A MAJORITY TO FORM HIS GOVT, SO FOCUS ON SPREADING THE WORD TO MAKE SURE HE GETS A MAJORITY. Saturday, 28 September 2024 04:58 PM

STOP AND THINK!! ANURA WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT APPROX A WEEK AGO, GEEZZZ DO YOU ALL EXPECT HIM TO WAIVE A MAGIC WAND, HEY PRESTO AND ALL PROMISES ARE ROLLED OUT??. ANURA IS A HUMBLE YOUNG MAN TAKEN ON THE RESPONSIBILITY TO DELIVER CHANGE AMOUNGST OTHERS. HAVE PATIENCE, HIS LEGAL TEAM WILL GO THROUGH THE POSSIBILITY OF EITHER SCRAPPING IT AND OR MAKING CHANGES. NO AMOUNT OF NEGATIVE AND OR DEMANDS WILL SERVE ANY PURPOSE. THE PRESIDENT AND HIS TEAM/TEAMS WILL WORK THROUGH HIS MANIFESO AND WORK IT ALL OUT IN TIME. HOWEVER, PEOPLE HAVE TO VOTE GIVING HIM A MAJORITY FOR HIM TO IMPLEMENT HIS PROMISES. ELECTIONS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE IN NOV, IT IS HUMANLY IMPOSSIBLE TO IMPLEMENT ALL HIS MANIFESTO SEPT/NOV BEFORE THE ELECTIONS, HE NEEDS TO HAVE A MAJORITY SO HE CAN COME IN WILL HIS GOVT AND OPPOSITION AND THEN CARRY ON WORKING ON ALL HIS MANIFESTO PROMISES. THE PEOPLE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT UNP CONTINUES TO GET THE LEAST VOTES TOGETHER WITH THEIR ALLIANCES. SPREAD THE WORD AORUND THE COUNTRY.

8 4

Nishantha Sunday, 29 September 2024 12:39 AM

I agree, let's all work hard and spread the word and do our best to give them the 2/3 majority they need to pass legislation. Then they will have no excuse. They will be obligated to honor their promises. If they don't, we can always boot them out after 5 years.

0 3

RanjithT Saturday, 28 September 2024 05:17 PM

Presidents entitlement act was passed in 1986. It is act no 4. It is much easier to say things and promise sun and the moon in manifestos but fulfilling is difficult. NPP should have looked into it before jumping the gun. Now AKD says "I am not a magician". That is not what they wanted the gullible voters to believe. Voters got duped into believing fairy tales. But with all due respect AKD is a magician as it is said '"MAGICIANS DOESN'T TRICK YOU, THEY ONLY HELP YOU TO TRICK YOURSELF". That is exactly what was done. Some commentators even blame 70-77 government along with quite a few comments expose the political immaturity of voters. Also note that finding corrupt politicians and their cronies and bringing then into justice is arduous matter and bringing the stolen money is far more difficult which probably will take a decade or so. Those who were duped to believe such please go to UNODC Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative. I wonder how many fellow commentators know about this?

4 14

R Saturday, 28 September 2024 06:51 PM

Excellent news. We cut all excess perks elected presidents have. But we must not cut unelected president for his future generations

3 3

Janaka Saturday, 28 September 2024 07:30 PM

Change the law.

1 3

C Fernando Saturday, 28 September 2024 08:19 PM

Oh, we're going for the old Hota tactic of "give me a 2/3rds majority so that I can deliver on all my promises"! I wonder whether most of these glowing, fawning comments, like AKD is a God come down from heavenly realms, are planted by the JVP bots who run their marxist-style propaganda machine. Hmm....

7 10

Soori Maripalan Saturday, 28 September 2024 08:20 PM

I am sure that instead of required 2/3, this time NPP get 5/6 to abolish all such money wasting items set by the Satan JRJ! These are the wealth belong to people of SL - not by the Hora parliamentarians like Myna, Gon Gora, Pamba Maithree, Pin Unelected Tempo RW and many more! With a more that 5/6 majority in the parliament, 2025 will be a GOOD year for all SL people! If those people are REAL, all Ex PREZ and other Pinas must NOT accept those PIN PADI sucking from poor people!

1 5

Park Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:18 PM

Yes, agreed, the Act has to be amended. However, other perks, such as the number of security personnel and vehicles provided and other benefits, such as water, electricity, gas, house maintenance, servants, party expenses, etc., should be immediately cut.

0 10

M Fernando Saturday, 28 September 2024 09:22 PM

Perhaps the definition of "suitable" and "appropriate" should be reviewed and adjustments made accordingly. Nowhere does it say former executive needs a palace to live or golden carriage to get about. I don't think an ex-president or their widowed spouse needs more perks than the current office holder, unless we feel "radala" is more deserving !

0 5

Romesh Saturday, 28 September 2024 10:23 PM

AKD won't be able to keep a vast majority of his promises. Not practical. If he keeps all his promises of welfare, another IMF bailout will be needed in 2-3 years. So let's be realistic. A time of austerity will have to be endured till 2030-2035 because debt payments will commence in 2028 again. Economics basics.

1 9

Ganesh Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:15 PM

Old saying goes don't make decisions when you are angry or excitedly happy. Couple of things, here which clearly indicate that SOME promises were made without properly reading the necessary parliamentary acts. Now comes the fun part of being able to secure 2/3 in parliament. Thereby being able to repeal these acts.

2 3

AGramsci Saturday, 28 September 2024 11:44 PM

Make amendments or repeal the act. The state or any government branch or entity can only pay these prodigious expenses if the financial strength of the payee is sustainable and secure. A failed state that has been bankrupted, and mow in financial exigency due to the criminal governing actions of the previous executive branch should be a collective and punitive action on every executive beneficiary who is demanding such perks at an inauspicious time when the general public itself shares this massive economic hit for no fault of theirs’. No president, minister or MP deserves any perk if they have failed their solemn pledge to the nation when called upon to serve.

0 8

Krish Sunday, 29 September 2024 12:19 AM

Former presidents should be given necessary facilities and security. What needs to figured out is necessary part.

3 2

Getting rid of executive presidency, is even better Sunday, 29 September 2024 03:16 PM

Removing the need to have Presidents is priority above that even. Once Executive President is removed, then stripping back on past Presidents, like what even AKD would become is next step and most worthwhile.

0 0

KP Sunday, 29 September 2024 01:41 AM

Sri Lankans lack proportionality. All expenses for central and provincial government mechanism is 0.06% of GDP. Curtailing these facilities is not going to do anything other than satisfying vengeance. What’s important is correct economic policies.

0 8

C Fernando Sunday, 29 September 2024 11:59 AM

Sri Lankans, by and large, are a stupid lot. That is why they rank at lower than thr global average in terms of intelligence. The education system does not encourage analytical thinking. Simply memorising and regurgitating what's in the text books.

0 3

politics Sunday, 29 September 2024 01:50 AM

In the name of 1986 act of law, you can not allow them to jolly ride on public fund. it is not law rather misuse of law. Law must be fair/ This outdated law to loot public fund from the backdoor, let us change the law and this law should not a loophole to steal public money. what kind of law is this. we should check the head of all those law makers or give those law to new law makers/law experts/judges to review.

2 4

Sue Kirthisinghe Sunday, 29 September 2024 06:07 AM

So, next comes Pension rights and the rights of all Senior Citizens? These are people who have more or less given their best to the country and now are not able to survive without help from the Govt. No other country treats their ex-Presidents in this shameful way. Of course you can expect nothing less from this Govt. All those who say 'well done' to everything they plan will learn their lesson very soon; most probably after the Parliamentary election. Be careful what you wish for!!!

2 7

Kumara Ilangasinghe Sunday, 29 September 2024 07:45 AM

2/3 majority in Parliament for the NPP to amend the laws will not be necessary if the support of the Opposition is given in all such legal amendments for the betterment of the country. SJB has already made a statement confirming this.

2 3

Referendum could overide parliament Sunday, 29 September 2024 03:15 PM

Referendums are an option to overcome this silly idea of 2/3 majority of parliament. The public should have a voice to decide, instead of just rely on parliament, which runs too long for five year. At least current den of thieves didn't get to dip their hand into the till of the public purse for their full five years.

0 1

VJ Sunday, 29 September 2024 08:10 AM

The laws were created for their benefits, we are a poor country and cannot afford this high cost of maintaining former presidents. The government should consider building a colony of decent bungalows and provide a platoon for security and a motor pool to provide transportation. A common recreational facility to be included. This will also meet the requirements of the law. Being a member of parliament is not employment, they asked to be elected by the people to serve the nation. Pension is not applicable here.

3 2

Colony Monday, 30 September 2024 07:26 PM

Brilliant idea. The colony.

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C Fernando Sunday, 29 September 2024 08:33 AM

So refreshing to see a comment like this when most comments here reveal the sheer ignorance of people on the realities of the country. They have definitely been duped into thinking AKD is not just a magician but some kind of demi-God who with a wave of his hand will solve all the problems of the country. This issue of ex-President privileges clearly shows how unprepared the new government is for reality. They have obviously not looked into the legal framework beforehand and planned accordingly. Now AKD is saying he is not a magician. That's because he knows he can't deliver on most of his promises. He has also started meddling with the economy by increasing subsidies. This will not go well with the IMF. We may not like the IMF and the conditions they impose but let's face the bitter truth, we are bankrupt and we have no other choice but to accept their terms. The gullible Sri Lankan voters will soon wake up to reality. My bet is in 6 months they will realise.

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Jazz my waffle Sunday, 29 September 2024 11:14 AM

So you think the current parliamentarians did so well ran the country to bankcrupsty and now we need to somehow bring the same people back to fix the problem they creates rather than usher a new era of policies simply because they don't have experience bankrupting the country. Why winder why we are in a mess with narrow minded people like you thinking the keep status quo

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C Fernando Sunday, 29 September 2024 11:46 AM

Not at all. Its not narrow mindedness its called rational thinking. I'm only saying that the expectations people have in this new team are so high, given the reality of our economic situation, there is very little room to deliver the extravagant promises that they made. Also, we are dealing with a team with zero experience in running a country. They are composed of a combination of "professional politicians " who have never worked at a proper job their whole lives and a bunch of academics who have no real world professional or commercial experience. They are simply theoretical, going by the book. A disastrous combination in our precarious economic situation. We are not in a position to afford ourselves the luxury of experimenting with radical new ideas.

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Wije Sunday, 29 September 2024 11:42 AM

So you prefers old crooks back .

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C Fernando Sunday, 29 September 2024 11:56 AM

Only saying that the new angels you are seeing with your rose tinted glasses, can also turn out to be crooks when given the opportunity. Or are you saying that the members of this particular party have somehow descended from heaven, pure, untainted, uncorrected? They just haven't had the opportunity, sweetheart! Same infatuation that you all had with Gota!

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Silent prayer Monday, 30 September 2024 07:24 PM

Frankly, none of us commenting here know who you are. You many be one of those RW cronies. Obviously, RW's lose is stinging you. Instead of rashly sothsaying, give AKD and team some time. It's not that you truly believe NPP will fail but the anguish that you have lost or will be soon losing all the illicit benefits you were enjoying thus far. You are whole hearted wishing and praying NPP should fail.

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Don M Munasinghe Sunday, 29 September 2024 11:04 AM

How convenient...so, no legal team in NPP to advise AKD to not to make that promise before the election? Or this is just to ask 2/3 power in Parliament election? Why does it feel like that we have been through this road many times...

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JRJ Walla Sunday, 29 September 2024 11:59 AM

They have a legal team. This is their programe of work. I think they should include this as a part of the questionaire for the general election.

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Dilakshan Seneviratne Sunday, 29 September 2024 01:33 PM

Childish sounding comment. 2/3 majority is needed to change the Constitution and many other things that NPP have stipulated in the manifesto. NPP have won only the Presidency so far. It has to establish its own government, not this temporary 3 minister scenario. Please try to understand these things in a mauture way. Also keep in mind, AKD is a simple man, humble and honest. He is extremely smart, cannot be compared with any other President. Wait and see.

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Clan and family politicians make enough false claims Sunday, 29 September 2024 03:11 PM

Your comments really sound like someone who'd want the British to take over and run the country with their laws, and I don't disagree they would do a better job than all the past Lanka born Parliaments and Presidents.

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Kumari Sen Sunday, 29 September 2024 03:24 PM

This is a childish comment without good understanding of how election pledges are made in almost all democratic countries. The pledge is to look at these perks, some can be immediately stopped whilst others will need parliamentary approval. SL citizens were crying out for this to be looked at. A widow of a former president has been given perks/allowances for over 35 years. There are others who have drawn perks for decades. As a low income country, these perks enjoyed by past leaders who did very little and made the country bankrupt are over the top. Well done NPP. I hope citizens will be wise enough to vote for these changes at the General Election.

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Ravana Sunday, 29 September 2024 11:18 AM

Let's give them the allowances and houses these past presidents and ministers recommended for the poor. One minister did say that a family can survive on 15,000 per month. I'm sure he is wise and correct, so now it's time they all taste his medicine. This should be a lesson to learnt by heart for present and future politicians.

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Chulan Sunday, 29 September 2024 11:40 AM

If they are true genuine leaders they should have voluntarily cut down the perks when majority of citizens suffer .

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Perera Sunday, 29 September 2024 03:55 PM

It is very clear that the purpose of this NPP proposal is not to save money but to take revenge against past presidents. To put this proposal into context, if NPP able cuts all salaries and benefits to former presidents, the government could save about Rs 50 million per year. Meanwhile AKD's election manifesto has promised to pay monthly welfare payments to some categories of voters and if NPP governemnt implement this proposal it will cost the government Rs 600 billion (or Rs 600,000 million) per year.

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Rajan V Pillai Sunday, 29 September 2024 04:31 PM

First the Government Establish whether the present entitlement given are in excress of the Provisions. Is it necessary to Give Housing facility while some of them may be having lot of immovable /movable property on their own and even leasing them to private properties. The second question is whether they should be entitled when they do not retire from Politics and enter Parliament as MPs. Of Course if they fully retire frm Public Life it is a Different Question. The Question should be asked what happens if a President resigns or abandons the position before completng his period on his own freewill or due to medical grounds. The First Executive President lived at his own house on retirement, and has donated his earnings to the Public, Jayawardena Center at Dharmapala Mawatha.

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Terrence K Sunday, 29 September 2024 04:56 PM

A peoples' party should be geared to remove the legal hurdles without adducing reasons to delay the process of good governance which the country was all waiting otherwise the next parliamentary elections will see a drop in the acceptance of a party which was catapulted into power. So it is necessary to Walk the Talk as a delay could result in some important matters which should be implemented for the benefit of the people once again accumulating dust in implementation.!!!!!!

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ROHINI Monday, 30 September 2024 03:32 PM

ALL THE PERKS ENJOYED BY THE JERKS SHOULD BE REVOKED. IT IS INTERESTING TO SEE THE OUTCOME OF THE SPORTS MINISTRY AUDIT . THE EX MINISTER WHO THINKS HE IS A SMOLDERING EMBER READY TO FLARE UP LIKE BONG BONG MARCOS THE SMOLDERING EMBER SHOULD BE SNUFFED OUT NEVER EVER TO FLARE UP.

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sarath gooneratne Wednesday, 02 October 2024 09:10 AM

Give the past Presidents 1/3 the salary as stipulated but not a palatial house. Let them get their own house on rent. They have not come to serve the people but to serve themselves.

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