September 04, Colombo (LNW): The government is reportedly exploring the possibility of transferring a state-owned residence on Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo, currently occupied by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as part of a broader review of privileges afforded to ex-heads of state.
Discussions surrounding the reallocation of the high-profile property are said to have taken place during a recent meeting involving several senior government figures. The residence, situated in one of Colombo’s most secure and strategically significant locations, has previously housed a number of top officials, including former President Maithripala Sirisena and other prominent cabinet ministers.
This move comes amid the government’s efforts to roll back longstanding entitlements extended to former Presidents. A draft Bill aimed at repealing the Presidents’ Entitlements Act—legislation that currently provides former heads of state with a range of state-funded benefits—was recently tabled in Parliament.
The Cabinet granted approval on June 16, 2025 for the Legal Draftsman to prepare the necessary legal framework, with the government signalling its intention to bring the measure to a vote in the near future.
Under the proposed legislation, all official facilities extended to ex-Presidents—including state residences, staff, and security privileges—would be withdrawn, retaining only pension rights as a matter of entitlement.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is expected to issue its determination on the constitutionality of the Bill shortly, following a mandatory review under the legislative process. Once the Court’s opinion is received, it will be formally presented to the Speaker of Parliament before the Bill proceeds to debate and final passage.
Former President Rajapaksa, in response to the government’s legislative direction, has previously indicated his willingness to vacate the Wijerama residence once the new law is enacted.
