Hema Premadasa, the wife of the late former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, handed over her official residence to the government after 30 years.

Every former president is constitutionally entitled to an official residence and after the death of a former president, his wife has the right to use that residence.

Accordingly, the Government granted an official residence to Hema Peramadasa after the assassination of Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993.

Recently, the JVP-led NPP launched a scathing a attack on Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa over the matter saying the taxpayers were forced to bear the burden of his mother, Hema Premadasa.

They also questioned as to why Opposition Leader Premadasa could not look after his own mother with his personal funds. The Opposition Leader has severely criticized the government over excessive state expenses.

In the face of growing public criticism, Hema Premadasa has now decided to hand over her official residence to the Government.