Prez vows to scrap perks for former presidents once again

28 October 2024 08:22 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 52 Bookmark

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake vowed once again that the perks and benefits of the past heads of state would be scrapped completely, no matter what.

Addressing an election rally in Baddegama, Galle, he said it is not the duty of people to look after former presidents. He said the former presidents had been ensured benefits in terms of circulars, a parliamentary act and constitutional provisions.

"We are exploring the possibility of amending the circulars and the Act," he said.

He said, "We cannot run a country like this. They ask for 163 security personnel, ambulance, Jeep, cars etc. They seek 17 or 18 BMW vehicles. We will do away with all the facilities. Politics is a service to people," he said.

Comments - 52

WOW Monday, 28 October 2024 08:38 AM

Bow. Put forward your new constitution to do it.

8 49

Keerthisinghe Monday, 28 October 2024 08:53 AM

We welcome your move His Excellency President. Please scrap all the facilities which the former Presidents who ate our money and enjoyed with their families.

10 78

joshua Monday, 28 October 2024 08:56 AM

People will give a strong mandate on the 14th Nov to NPP. Please get these circulars rescinded and limit the perks to what is required.

15 60

Catholic Monday, 28 October 2024 11:01 AM

Seeing is believing.

11 34

Gx Monday, 28 October 2024 08:47 PM

Remember we need a strong opposition in parliament too. Although Anura may be good, the consequences comes when there's a majority rule over everything...

3 6

Russel Harmmer Monday, 28 October 2024 08:57 AM

Hon. Prez. please do it fast soon after the General Elections. We need one more thing - the rogues, looters, drug smugglers and womanizers who were under MR

7 61

Farieze Monday, 28 October 2024 08:58 AM

Welcome president.

7 43

Zee Bum Ba Sulaiman Monday, 28 October 2024 08:59 AM

163 security personal for what? to open the car door and shut? Ranil, now you are old like other Ex-Presidents - it is better to get into your own houses with basic facilities, that's enough.

8 47

Dazle Monday, 28 October 2024 09:04 AM

Brilliant....

7 38

Steve Monday, 28 October 2024 09:08 AM

Whatever benefits former Presidents get should be only to those who have been elected and completed a full 5 year term.

10 41

Terrence K Monday, 28 October 2024 09:11 AM

Why are you repeating things like a cassettee when you should now act on your veil threats if implemented will result for you as well "what is sauce for the goose will be sauce for the gander"

36 45

Naushad Farouque Samoon Monday, 28 October 2024 09:14 AM

Yes! Mr President Anura Dissanayka ?? You are right there ? You must bring in legislation to act upon it??? Here in Uk past PM and MP do not receive such kick backs. unless there is a threat to their life. Mr Tony Blair receives One security personal as he is deemed to be under threat. All state funds must be used to enhance the people ( Public) They come first as a priority at all times

8 61

Wijebahu Monday, 28 October 2024 10:53 AM

Only talk to please the gallery during the election. however ex presidents deserve a decent retirement. Just check the retirement benefits of Tony Blair is about 150000POUNDS. Australian PMs pension is 300000AUD with first class air travel. however AKD is lying about RWs demands.

45 37

Gamini Monday, 28 October 2024 01:04 PM

But Tony Blair and Australian PM do not have a fat bank balance like our MR and Family

8 24

Bathalakola Monday, 28 October 2024 09:16 AM

Aiyo talking talking nothing happening other than fooling the people. Mr President without repeatng yourself like seeya why don't you first do it and then talk?

47 52

Wiseman Monday, 28 October 2024 10:46 AM

He needs parliament majority vote to complete this task.

19 38

Lucky Dioss Monday, 28 October 2024 11:42 AM

You must appreciate our President

17 10

Citizens Monday, 28 October 2024 02:25 PM

If you don’t vote for NPP majority in the parliament election, then you are digging your own grave and nothing going to change , only president from NPP and majority from other parties will bring us back to same old politics and waste of tax money. So people think wisely and vote keeping all other interest a side and think of the country and future of the children. Sending looters to parliament is like filling water in a pot with hole , which will waste the water and pot will never fills.

16 10

This is reality Monday, 28 October 2024 09:23 AM

To carry out whatever he wishes to do, the President will need to have back up support from several others in the new parliament. Mark these words.

7 49

This is reality Monday, 28 October 2024 09:27 AM

To carry out whatever he wishes to, the President will need the back up support of several others in the new parliament. Mark these words.

3 25

amar Monday, 28 October 2024 09:42 AM

MR like to have these perks for his entire family - his children, his daughter-in-law's family, etc. His family lived on state expenses by giving "BORU" positions.

9 60

Richard Vonhagt Monday, 28 October 2024 09:50 AM

These are all but empty promises. You made all these lofty promises before the Presidential election as well. No one can save SL.

54 32

Amila Perera Monday, 28 October 2024 10:01 AM

We agree with you AKD. Go ahead. Scrap all unnecessary spending.

9 69

sam Monday, 28 October 2024 10:09 AM

Please go ahead

4 23

Prince Monday, 28 October 2024 10:10 AM

So what is the delay. 2/3rd majority. Don't limit these words to the stage. We are waiting to implement what is said. Also perks of members of Parliament should be curtailed.

1 32

Dee Monday, 28 October 2024 10:20 AM

Entertaining Speech!

3 23

Volker Metzger Monday, 28 October 2024 10:20 AM

As a normal citizen, you ask yourself whether people like Wickremesinghe, Rajapaksa and other former politicians have completely lost touch with reality!??? Because when you read again and again about the demands they made after their replacement and which the President has rejected, you doubt that these people still have any sense left! With everything that is now becoming increasingly clear about their way of thinking and attitudes, it is no longer surprising that the former power elite, driven by egoism and greed, have led the country into the abyss!!! It is quite obviously high time, especially in the interests of the people who have been suffering for years, to put an end to the activities of these politicians!!! They should be ashamed, but they are not capable of such behaviour because they are without character!!! Therefore, the President's renewed statement to put a rigorous end to this mentality of entitlement is very welcome and follows his priority of serving the people!!!

7 27

PEOPLE, CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE 2ND MIRACLE, THE MAJORITIES PRAYER REQUEST Monday, 28 October 2024 01:24 PM

VOLKER, I CONGRATULATE YOU ON A EXCELLENT RESPONSE/COMMENT. I HAVE READ TERRENCE, WIJE, BATHALA, RICHARD AND DEE'S COMMENTS ABOVE AND YOU CAN TELL THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY NO SUPPORTERS OF ANURA, BUT JUST MOUTHING OFF THROUGH ANGER AND FRUSTRATION THAT THEIR BATCH OF CORRUPT POLITICIANS HAVE BEEN WIPED OUT OF THE PRESIDENCY ELECTIONS AND HARD TO ACCEPT. THE FACT IS WE WILL SEE A REPEAT PERFORMANCE IN THE GENERAL ELECTIONS TOO.

4 10

Dee Monday, 28 October 2024 02:52 PM

Replying to the bloke who keeps praying for miracles! The ones who believe in such prayers are the ones voted out of pure jealousy and frustration, not us. We are not frustrated. In fact we are amused by these talk shows aiming at the correct target audience. The ones who are jealous and feels all should be same. They are the clowns who destroy us for the past 75 years experimenting with prayers and fairy tales!

7 7

PONNUSAMY RAVINDRAN Monday, 28 October 2024 10:44 AM

Agree, best way to avoid corrupt fellows coming in to politics is remove luxury perks. Remove all security.if they want let them pay and have their own security.Also MP's pentions have to removed, and regulations for other govt servants have to be applied.

4 21

Volker Metzger Monday, 28 October 2024 11:01 AM

As a normal citizen, you ask yourself whether people like Wickremesinghe, Rajapaksa and other former politicians have completely lost touch with reality!??? Because when you read again and again about the demands they made after their replacement and which the President has rejected, you doubt that these people still have any sense left! With everything that is now becoming increasingly clear about their way of thinking and attitudes, it is no longer surprising that the former power elite, driven by egoism and greed, have led the country into the abyss!!! It is quite obviously high time, especially in the interests of the people who have been suffering for years, to put an end to the activities of these politicians!!! They should be ashamed, but they are not capable of such behaviour because they are without character!!! Therefore, the President's renewed statement to put a rigorous end to this mentality of entitlement is very welcome and follows his priority of serving the people!!!

2 15

Pxx Monday, 28 October 2024 11:42 AM

Explain how three NPP MPs spent Rs. 1,300 million on fuel over the last four years, averaging Rs. 30,000 per day. Can anyone explain which vehicle could consume that much fuel daily, especially as they claimed not to use luxury vehicles in order to save public funds? Who would actually believe Anura’s political theatrics?

5 14

M.D. Maxi Monday, 28 October 2024 11:48 AM

All the past President's enjoyed the poor man's sweat and ruined the country. All of them earned in billions during their period. NPP plans are excellent, never spend even a cent for these rotters.

2 5

Contributions Monday, 28 October 2024 11:55 AM

Any benefits to any politicians including Presidents and PMs should be based purely on their contributions to the betterment of the country and the population. In today's world there are enough tools to measure these contributions. So far no past politicians qualify for such benefits or perks. Perion

2 6

Contributions Monday, 28 October 2024 11:55 AM

Any benefits to any politicians including Presidents and PMs should be based purely on their contributions to the betterment of the country and the population. In today's world there are enough tools to measure these contributions. So far no past politicians qualify for such benefits or perks. Perion

1 3

DPerera Monday, 28 October 2024 12:16 PM

You also promised to reduce VAT, income tax, fuel and electricity prices, bring back stolen money, give Rs 10,000 handout for low income persons. Everyone now waiting to see your actions!

1 20

Priyanee Wijesekera Monday, 28 October 2024 12:44 PM

How many times has he said so ?

3 18

Dee Monday, 28 October 2024 02:21 PM

Ammapa!

1 8

Anthony. R Monday, 28 October 2024 12:50 PM

Yes,these unlimited perks and privileges should be curtailed and limited. They pose as service to the masses but on that pretext amass wealth by robbing and depriving the very same masses of their day to day living as well push them to the limit by bankrupting the Nation. Politics is service to the Nation and not, amassing personal wealth by ransacking the nation. Anura for sure will walk the talk.

1 4

sarath Monday, 28 October 2024 01:06 PM

Stop talking and do it. You have already said this at Presidential election platforms and people agreed with you and voted you in. Now don't hide behind 2/3 majority to implement what you were elected to do

2 17

Yohan Monday, 28 October 2024 01:42 PM

These are minor matters which should be done but you have totally forgotten about major issues faced by people. Still passport issue not solved, shortage of Nadu rice, shortage of coconuts, electricity and water bills not reduced as promised, fuel prices not reduced as promised. Why still in talk mode. Start working and specially focus on economy. Also you have taken huge amount of loans and also printed money. We fear that this may lead to another gota season.

3 15

Sils Monday, 28 October 2024 01:51 PM

Thanks for reiterating it. Please see it done.

1 9

saman Monday, 28 October 2024 01:57 PM

Majority of people in Sri Lanka agree with you president Anura Kumara. Yes, they were presidents (Hitapu) of the country, they did a job, then retired, now they can relax at home, "only pay them a pension" which they are entitle like other government servants. no houses, no cars, no security etc. What security issues or life threat for them. People don't even look at them. This was one of the main reasons we came to Sri Lanka and voted for you to become the president of the country.

3 7

Citizen2023 Monday, 28 October 2024 02:27 PM

Mr. President, plz shoot out official letters thru your dept to the relevant past Presidents withdrawing excess facilities like govt houses, security personnels, vehicles, chefs etc enjoyed by them and their family members at the expense of the tax payers money. These goons don't realize the sufferings of the co-citizens, some cannot afford two meals a day, send their children to schools, children begging on the road, no drinking water for them etc. Shame on our ex-presidents. Plz withdraw all perks offered to them and help our poor masses. If you take immediate action, you can be rest assured that your party will victorious with 2/3rd majority in the forthcoming General election. Expecting your immediate action.

1 6

dcol Monday, 28 October 2024 03:11 PM

Can you make laws to effect from the past? Past Presidents were granted these perks from the laws/constitution effective at that time. Only thing you can change is from now on ; from AKD onwards. That also useless as NPP promised to abolish the executive presidency anyway so no further presidents in the future..

5 3

Sue Kirthisinghe Monday, 28 October 2024 04:30 PM

Mr. New President. Are you going to be nasty to the Presidents who in their own way did a lot for good of the country? Have you forgotten there is an ex-president who stopped the war? Are you going to forget the President who stopped the "never ending ques" and gave the suffering people relief? Just because you're a new broom, don't think everyone is going to love you and approve all the foolish things you do. Long before you, there were Presidents who amidst a lot of hardships; such as never ending strikes, rallies and picketing by your party, continued to run the country. You're just playing to the gallery. You can certainly cut some of the unnecessary spending, but you will be considered an ungrateful fool if you cut out all the benefits given to ex-Presidents. which is a tradition carried out all over the world.

11 7

Mithula Monday, 28 October 2024 05:11 PM

Boss is also right. The difference is this Boss is a people centered guy unlike the other blood sucking presidents we had. Good luck Boss.

0 1

Sam Silva Monday, 28 October 2024 05:52 PM

Well said!!!

0 1

ROHINI Monday, 28 October 2024 08:17 PM

DO THE RIGHT THING. iF THESE PERKS ARE NOT GIVEN UP VOLUNTARILY. WHICH THEY SHOULD ,THEN TWIST THEIR ARMS TILL THEY DO '

2 6

KALI Monday, 28 October 2024 10:11 PM

Walk the Talk and dont Talk the Walk!

0 4

P Kunchithapathan Tuesday, 29 October 2024 01:47 AM

All these past presidents were notorious in abusing power and involved in mega corruption. They became filthy rich after holding the position as president.

0 2

Foot Note Tuesday, 29 October 2024 08:35 AM

You don't have to say it again and again. Do it using executive powers. If constitutional amendment is needed to scrap unwanted privileges, that will be solved with the new constitution abolishing presidency as you promised. For the time being scrap unwanted perks possible with executive powers. That will boost your chair workout in parliamentary election which is just over century mark now. It will decline if you stuck only to lip service. 102

0 2

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