Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has endorsed the certification on the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, which was passed in parliament today. 

Accordingly, this Bill will come into force as the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act, No. 18 of 2025.

The President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill was passed in Parliament today by a majority of 150 votes. 

The debate on the second reading of the Bill began at 11.30 am today and was followed by a second reading vote at around 3.30 pm, with 151 votes in favour and 1 vote against. Thereafter, the third reading of the Bill was passed without amendments. 

This Bill, which was presented to Parliament on 7th August 2025 by the Minister of Justice and National Integration, is a Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986.

Accordingly, any residence provided to, or monthly allowance paid to, a former President or the widow of a former President in terms of the provisions of section 2 of the repealed Act;  monthly secretarial allowance paid to, and official transport and such other facilities provided to, a former President or the widow of a former President in terms of the provisions of section 3 of the repealed Act; and monthly pension paid to the widow of a former President in terms of the provisions of section 4 of the repealed Act, will be abolished. (Newswire)

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Speaker of the Parliament, Jagath Wickramaratne, says 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 announced that, as such, the Supreme Court states that the Bill can be enacted with the simple majority of Parliament. 

He further said that the Supreme Court has rejected the petition filed challenging the Bill on the grounds that it had failed to comply with the mandatory provisions of Article 121 (1) of the Constitution, invoking the jurisdiction of the court.

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced the determination of the Supreme Court while addressing the Parliament of Sri Lanka today. 

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill to Parliament on 07th August.

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 former Presidents and their widows. 

Three petitions were filed at the Supreme  Court challenging the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution. (Newswire)

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Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne has announced that three petitions have been filed in respect of the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill. 

Addressing the Parliament today (21), the Speaker said that he has received copies of another three petitions filed at the Supreme Court.

He further said that the petitions have been filed in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill to Parliament on 07th August, seeking 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 former Presidents and their widows. (Newswire)

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Two more petitions have been submitted to the Supreme Court challenging the bill presented to Parliament by the government to revoke the entitlements of former Presidents.

According to reports, the petitions were filed by Harindrarathna Banagala, a resident of the Weyangoda area, and Premasiri Wijesekara, a resident of Pannipitiya.

The Attorney General has been named as the respondent in the case.

The petitioners claim that clauses 01 to 04 of the proposed Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill violate the principle of separation of powers guaranteed by the Constitution.

Additionally, the petitions allege that several clauses in the bill infringe upon the sovereignty of the people and the independence guaranteed by the Constitution.

Taken as a whole, the petitioners argue that the provisions of the proposed bill violate the fundamental framework of the Constitution, including Articles 1, 3, and 4, as well as the fundamental human rights outlined in Article 12(1).

Accordingly, the petitioners request the Supreme Court to issue an order stating that the contested clauses of the bill must be passed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament and approved by a public referendum.

On 07th August, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill to Parliament, seeking 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 former Presidents and their widows. 

Last week, SLPP Administrative Secretary Renuka Perera filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the bill. (Newswire)

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