The Hon. Ananda Wijepala — Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity. I hope the entire Opposition will support this Bill. Our aim is to change the long-standing political culture whereby those who gain power become hyper-privileged while people suffer. Over the past 10 months we have taken a series of steps under the social compact we entered into with the people to change this culture; this Bill is a further step.

¶ 02 Previously, everything was collected by those in power — vehicles, official residences, even drawing two salaries as Minister and MP; we have removed many such benefits and reduced fuel allowances. Now, under this Bill, certain entitlements under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act will be removed. This is not vengeance against anyone; it is about changing political culture.

¶ 03 Some spoke about security for retired Presidents. This Bill has nothing to do with security. Security is provided separately. Matters regarding security were taken to the Supreme Court; the Court was satisfied with the State-provided security. If any person has a security concern, it can be placed before the Security Threat Assessment Committee; additionally, Police and Intelligence may provide security based on information. Therefore, this Bill does not affect security.

¶ 04 We discussed for a long time how to deal with benefits taken by ex-Presidents — either abolish them via the Act or give them within limits. Studying the past two to three decades, we saw that, via regulations and various Cabinet decisions, these privileges were granted without limits. Beyond security, staff were provided for various services. For example, to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, nine medical staff, eight drivers, two clerks, five mechanical staff, a naval rating, 46 special yacht-trained personnel, 1,000 catering staff, 20 electricians, four civil engineering technicians, seven engineering technicians, two storekeepers, three physical training advisors, a carpenter, and a dog handler — in total 111 personnel. These are not about security. Similarly, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had three medical assistants, one maintenance technician, 10 drivers, five clerks, eight orderlies, 13 support officers, eight catering staff, three technicians, a physical trainer, six special technical trades, and a dog handler. We are removing such hyper-privileges.

¶ 05 Order, please! The Hon. Speaker will now take the Chair.

¶ 06 [The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair. The Hon. Speaker took the Chair.]

¶ 07 Hon. Speaker, I was saying: once certain entitlements are granted, they have expanded without limit. Under this repeal, several items under the Act will go. In the last year alone, under the Act, the State spent Rs. 2,685,790 for former First Lady Hema Premadasa; Rs. 11,664,348 for former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga; Rs. 54,652,990 for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa; Rs. 15,772,045 for former President Maithripala Sirisena; Rs. 10,281,354 for former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa; and Rs. 3,492,309 for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe — a total of Rs. 98,548,839 in 2024 alone. We decided that instead of limiting, these privileges should be abolished to change political culture. We believe the Opposition will support this as leaders must set an example to the people.

¶ 08 Some here accepted that the future President will come from the National People’s Power. The SJB itself says so — that their next President will be from the NPP, our Parliamentary Leader. We welcome that they accept Sajith Premadasa cannot. Even Hon. Archchuna says so — from North and South they say the next President will be our Leader. He says “Namal,” but still.

¶ 09 For long, the people dreamed of this change. We have ended an incomplete political culture and set foundations for “A Prosperous Country — A Beautiful Life.” No one should be alarmed. There is no vengeance here, no effect on retired Presidents’ security; that is external to this Bill.

¶ 10 Our Minister of Justice said when presenting the Bill that if anyone has difficulty in living or housing, on application to the President, it can be considered. But for retired Presidents who have ample wealth and houses, we do not think using people’s money to provide privileges is suitable.

¶ 11 We also saw, during the economic crisis, Rs. 472,529,000 being allocated in 2021–2022 to renovate the Wijerama residence used by former President Maithripala Sirisena, previously occupied by the late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar — at a time people queued for essentials. We must end such practices and protect every rupee for people’s welfare. This Bill is a step in changing political culture. We expect the Opposition’s support.

¶ 12 Regarding the Police, many matters were raised. We have prepared thousands of promotions, both for Police and the STF, and begun a fair process tied to the 159th Police Day, to conclude within two months.

¶ 13 Hon. Speaker: Order! Is the House agreeable to extend time until the day’s main business is concluded?

¶ 14 Hon. Members: Aye.

¶ 15 Hon. Speaker: Hon. Minister, please continue.

¶ 16 We are establishing the rule of law and a just society. Alongside changing political culture, we are strengthening the rule of law and building national harmony. Our Foreign Minister presented the Government’s position in Geneva. Our Hon. Prime Minister is here; we are laying a new foundation for education, with 2026 dedicated to reforms. We have fulfilled many promises under our social compact in the first year.

¶ 17 Today is significant as we complete this change by passing this Bill, diverting many privileges to the development and well-being of the suffering people. The people’s aspirations are being realised; despite the Opposition’s rhetoric, people understand reality. I conclude.