Pay rent or vacate residence: AKD tells MR

On January 19, 2025, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's residence has been valued at Rs. 4.6 million per month. According to the relevant legislation, former Presidents are entitled to either a residence or one-third of their salary. The government will provide Rajapaksa with a Rs. 30,000 allowance, which is one-third of his salary. To continue residing in the property, he would need to pay the remaining Rs. 4.6 million.

Additionally, President Dissanayake stated that the residence of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga will soon be evaluated. He mentioned that valuators had been sent to her residence, but due to her being in London for two weeks, the assessment would proceed shortly.

In other developments, the President announced plans to auction luxury government vehicles in February to reduce maintenance costs. He also indicated that a resolution to abolish the pension of Members of Parliament (MPs) would be presented to Parliament soon. Furthermore, MPs will be required to pay the market price for food in the Parliament canteen. The government is also planning to initiate several development projects, including the commencement of the Sampur Solar Power plant as a joint venture between an Indian company and the Ceylon Electricity Board. This project aims to supply electricity at a rate of $0.597 per unit, a reduction from the previously agreed rate of $0.7 per unit. Additionally, during his visit to China, the President secured a donation for a conference hall valued at Rs. 20,000 million, which will be established at the Colombo Port City to host international conferences and business events.