Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is currently based in Colombo but alternates his stay between his Carlton residence in Tangalle and a house in Nugegoda, Namal Rajapaksa said today.

Speaking to the media, Namal Rajapaksa said the former president continues to play an active advisory role in party affairs, attending meetings and offering guidance on future political activities.

Responding to journalists’ questions on the size of the house where Mahinda Rajapaksa is presently staying, Namal Rajapaksa made a light-hearted remark, saying people now tend to measure houses in terms of football grounds. He estimated that the house would be roughly equivalent to about six football pitches, adding that those who have never even kicked a ball are now eager to measure everything using football fields.

He further stated that the house currently occupied by the former president had been willingly provided by a friend.

According to Namal Rajapaksa, the friend had no hesitation in offering the house, as he was fully aware of who the Rajapaksa family is and felt no fear in doing so. He said their friends were not afraid of the current government and therefore had no reason to refrain from extending such support.

“Our friend gave the house happily. Our friends know who we are, and they are not afraid of this government. Because there is no fear, they are willing to give us houses. Unlike some others, our friends do not feel the need to live in fear of the government,” he said.

Namal Rajapaksa also noted that Mahinda Rajapaksa prefers to live independently and in seclusion, and that the family has respected his wishes without interfering with his personal freedom. He added that the former president is currently observing the actions of the present government with interest.