Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has officially vacated his residence at Wijerama Road in Colombo 07 today (11), leaving the property at around 1:15 p.m. along with his wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa.
A large crowd had gathered outside the residence as the former President prepared to leave. Earlier in the day, a group of politicians and diplomats also visited the property.
The move comes in the wake of the recently passed Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act, which requires former Presidents to return state-provided official residences to the government. The legislation, passed in Parliament yesterday (10), abolishes all state entitlements previously enjoyed by former Presidents, including official residences, monthly allowances, secretarial support, transport facilities, and pensions for widows of former Presidents.
According to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), former President Rajapaksa is expected to relocate to his private residence, Carlton House in Hambantota. Political sources indicate that former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga will also be required to return their official residences under the new law.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government stated that any former President who does not comply with the provisions will receive a written notice demanding action. The Ministry further emphasized that it will act in accordance with the new legislation.
The Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, presented to Parliament on 7 August 2025 by the Minister of Justice and National Integration, was passed by a majority of 150 votes. During the second reading, 151 Members of Parliament voted in favor, with only 1 MP voting against the Bill. The legislation repeals the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, formally ending all state-provided benefits to former Presidents and their widows.
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