‘I refused organic vegetables grown in Nuwara Eliya specially for President’: AKD

• Two bags of vegetables weighing 60 Kgs are received by the Presidential Secretariat from Nuwara Eliya every Friday
• Will introduce policy to stop wastage of public property by politicians

By Ajith Siriwardana

Former Presidents used to enjoy unlimited perks and privileges where they used to get organic vegetables that were grown in Nuwara Eliya every week for their consumption, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed yesterday.

Speaking at an election rally in Nuwara Eliya, the President said he instructed the officials at the Presidential Secretariat to use vegetables received from Nuwara Eliya to prepare food for 
security officials.  

“I learnt that organic vegetables had been grown in the land belonging to the President’s House in Nuwara Eliya for the consumption of the President. I noticed that two bags of vegetables weighing 60 Kgs were received by the Presidential Secretariat from Nuwara Eliya every Friday. Then, I got to know that the organic vegetables were sent from Nuwara Eliya every week. I asked them to use those vegetables for the food prepared for security officials,” he said.  

The President said those leaders did not eat even vegetables grown for the common man adding that they even expect such perks and privileges even after losing 
the elections.  

He said the government is planning to introduce a policy to stop wastage of public property where perks and privileges of incumbent President, all ministers, MPs and former presidents will be restricted.  

“The ministers will not be given houses from Colombo. They will not get back-up vehicles and security detail. Then, former presidents also will have to adhere to the policy. We will take steps to stop wastage of public property,” he said.