Mahinda Rajapaksa Ready to Vacate Official Residence Upon Formal Request

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has expressed his willingness to vacate his official residence in Colombo upon receiving a formal written request from the government. This statement comes in response to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's recent remarks, where he highlighted that the Government Valuation Department assessed the monthly rent of Rajapaksa's residence at Rs. 4.6 million. President Dissanayake indicated that, according to the Constitution, former presidents are entitled to either a residence or one-third of their monthly salary, amounting to Rs. 30,000. Consequently, Rajapaksa would need to pay the remaining amount to continue occupying the residence or vacate the premises.

In response, Rajapaksa emphasized that the residence was allocated to him following a cabinet decision during former President Maithripala Sirisena's tenure, primarily for his protection as a former head of state. He stated that if President Dissanayake believes his departure would be beneficial, he is prepared to leave, noting that he has never kept anything by force. Rajapaksa also criticized President Dissanayake for focusing on public relations stunts and criticizing former presidents instead of providing relief to the common man.

Namal Rajapaksa, son of the former President, echoed similar sentiments, stating that his father is ready to vacate the official residence at any time upon a formal request from the government. He clarified that the residence was constitutionally granted for security purposes, as is customary for former presidents. Namal also described President Dissanayake's remarks as an act of political revenge, emphasizing that providing an official residence for former presidents is a standard practice globally.

This development is part of President Dissanayake's broader initiative to eliminate corrupt politics and reduce extravagant living on public funds. He has also announced plans to introduce a proposal to revoke MPs' pensions and ensure that food in the Parliament canteen is provided at market prices.