The Cabinet of Ministers has approved amendments to revoke special privileges granted to former Presidents and Members of Parliament, marking a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s political entitlement framework.
The Cabinet approved the drafting of amendments to the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986 and the Parliamentary Pensions Law No. 1 of 1977, instructing the Legal Draftsman to initiate the necessary legislative process.
Cabinet Spokesman and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, stated that the move aligns with the Government’s policy vision, “A Wealthy Country – A Beautiful Life”. He said the Government has a public mandate to eliminate long-standing privileges for retired leaders and MPs.
“With the enactment of these amendments, all special benefits currently extended to former Presidents and their spouses — including official residences and personal staff — will be revoked. The same applies to pensions granted to MPs who have served for five years,” Dr. Jayatissa said.
However, he clarified that constitutionally protected retirement pensions of former Presidents will remain intact, as the reforms only target benefits under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act.
Calling the decision “historic,” Dr. Jayatissa added, “For the first time in nearly four decades, a Government is taking decisive legislative action to end this entitlement culture. Once passed, these reforms will apply to all living former Presidents and spouses of deceased Presidents.”
