Prez vows to scrap perks for former presidents once again

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.