President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced today (19) that he has rejected a request from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for a range of privileges, including 16 chefs, 163 security personnel, 30 umbrellas, and over 20 vehicles.

Speaking at the inaugural General Election rally in Tangalle, Dissanayake stated that, moving forward, Wickremesinghe would be entitled to only three vehicles, in line with current regulations and circulars.

"They have enjoyed these perks for so long that they now believe they are entitled to them as a right. We have a clear mandate from the people to put an end to the misuse of public funds, and the NPP is committed to delivering on that promise. We will review the security arrangements for former presidents, and perks will be provided accordingly. But there will no longer be any room to misuse public money under the guise of security for former leaders," he stressed.

Dissanayake also mentioned that the government plans to introduce new legislation to prevent former Presidents from receiving unnecessary benefits funded by the public.

Additionally, he revealed that two ambulances previously kept at the residences of Wickremesinghe and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had been recalled, underscoring that such resources should not be considered personal property.