The 3rd reading of the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, which seeks to abolish special benefits granted to former Presidents, their widows, and retired MPs, was passed without amendments in Parliament today.
Earlier today, the 2nd reading of the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill was passed with 151 voting for and 01 against.
MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake was the sole opposition MP to vote against the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill during the vote on the 2nd reading.
The President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill was presented to Parliament on 07th August, by Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.
The Bill seeks to revoke the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, and abolish special benefits granted to former Presidents, their widows, and retired Members of Parliament.
The proposed legislation, published in the Gazette dated July 31, 2025, would end entitlements including official residences, monthly allowances, secretarial support, transport facilities, and pensions for widows of former Presidents.
Further, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced yesterday (09) that the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has determined that no provision of the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution.
The Speaker informed Parliament that, as such, the Supreme Court states that the Bill can be enacted with the simple majority of Parliament. (Newswire)
