The Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Draft Bill, which seeks to revoke special privileges granted to former Presidents and their widows, was officially gazetted on July 31, 2025.
The Draft Bill, ordered to be published by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, proposes to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986 in its entirety.
According to the gazette notification, the Bill aims to abolish all special benefits previously provided under Sections 2 and 3 of the Act. These include residences, monthly allowances, secretarial support, official transport, and similar facilities afforded to former Presidents and their widows.
Furthermore, the Bill proposes to cease the monthly pension currently paid to the widow of a former President, as outlined under Section 4 of the repealed legislation.
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval last week to proceed with the gazetting and tabling of the Bill in Parliament, following a proposal submitted by Minister Nanayakkara.
The Draft Bill also clarifies that all entitlements and payments provided prior to the date of commencement of the new law shall be discontinued from the date it comes into effect.
