January 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has assured that the government will provide a suitable residence for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa if he has nowhere to move following his departure from his current residence.
Addressing a public gathering in Thambuththegama, the President raised questions about the reluctance of former leaders to vacate government-provided homes, despite many public officials, including himself and his ministers, not yet occupying their allocated residences.
Dissanayake emphasised that it was unjust for anyone to continue living in a large mansion funded by taxpayers, particularly when there is no clear need for such extravagant accommodation.
“It seems unreasonable to reside in such a grand property while the rest of us, including the President and Cabinet Ministers, have not yet moved into our assigned homes. If former Presidents are struggling to relocate, we will certainly provide them with a suitable place to stay,” he stated.
“However, it is important to recognise that the mansion they occupy is far too large for the purpose it serves.“
The President also dismissed accusations that the request for the former President to vacate his residence was an act of political persecution.
“This is not about political vendettas; it is about taking our country in a new direction. We are simply asking for a change. Before we ask anyone to leave, they must first vacate the premises,” Dissanayake clarified.
He reiterated that such actions are in the best interests of the public, urging that the use of taxpayers’ funds must always be carefully considered.
