Colombo, Sri Lanka — Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has presented the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill to Parliament, a move that signals a significant shift in the country’s approach to political privileges.
The proposed legislation seeks to fully repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, which currently guarantees a range of special benefits to former Presidents, their families, and retired Members of Parliament.
If passed, the repeal would strip former heads of state and legislators of longstanding privileges, which have drawn increasing public scrutiny amid ongoing calls for austerity and equitable governance.
The initiative reflects growing sentiment in Sri Lanka for dismantling entrenched systems of political entitlement — particularly at a time when the country continues to recover from economic hardship. The government has yet to outline the timeline for debate or vote on the Bill, but its presentation marks a critical first step toward reform.
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