Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had palaces built around the country for his use.

Speaking to UNP supporters in Galle, he said that in Arugam Bay, there were 57 resorts, 14 of them earmarked for VIP use. This complex was named "International Relations Center" he said and asked what international relations can one do from Arugam Bay.

Another 'palace' in Jaffna could be used for a six-star or seven-star hotel, he added.

Wickremesinghe said he was not sure what could be done with all the palaces in places like Moneragala and Embilipitiya and around the country.

He added that the new government limited the expenses for the president so that the benefit could be given to the people. He added that even the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration could have cut back unnecessary expenses and give the benefits to the people. Wickremesinghe pointed out that the people had to bear the cost of the mal-practices of Rajapaksa government.