The Second Reading of the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill was passed in Parliament today with a majority of 150 votes.
A total of 151 MPs voted in favour of the Bill, while 01 MP voted against it.
MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake was the sole opposition MP to vote against the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill.
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)
