Under the provisions of the newly enacted Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act, former presidents are now required to return the official residences previously allocated to them.

Former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga currently occupy state-owned residences. However, under the law passed yesterday (10), they are no longer entitled to this privilege.

Reports indicate that Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to vacate his official residence today (11) and return to his private home, Carlton House, in Hambantota, according to a spokesperson for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Political sources also suggest that Maithripala Sirisena and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga will soon return their residences to the state.

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has stated that written notice will be issued to any former president who fails to comply with the requirement.