Issue on privileges given to former Presidents: RW not aware of the facilities requested by his security unit

• Incumbent President says his predecessor has asked for 16 chefs, 163 security personnel, 30 umbrellas and 20 vehicles

By Yohan Perera   

In response to a remark made by incumbent President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe has asked for extensive privileges, Advisor to the former President Sagala Ratnayake yesterday said it is the security unit of Mr. Wickremesinghe which has asked for privileges.   

“Various items have been requested by the security unit of the former President.  These officers need various items to carry out their duty. They make these requests after assessing what they need and they do it unilaterally. They don’t consult Mr. Wickremesinghe in this regard,” Mr. Ratnayake said in response to a question raised by journalists at a media briefing.   “Former Presidents are given various privileges as per the constitution,” he added.   President Dissanayake over the weekend said he has denied a request from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for extensive privileges, which included 16 chefs, 163 security personnel, 30 umbrellas and over 20 vehicles.    The President said at a public rally that moving forward, Wickremesinghe will be entitled to only three vehicles, in line with current government regulations.   

He said the government will introduce new legislation to prevent former Presidents from being supported through public funds.