National Organiser of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa says that several senior Buddhist monks have pledged to intervene and provide accommodation for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa should his official privileges be withdrawn under a proposed new law.
Rajapaksa said that prominent members of the Buddhist clergy had assured him they would not allow the former leader to be left without shelter. “They told me that if his privileges are taken away, they will make sure he has a house,” Rajapaksa said.
A proposed bill by the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) government aims to scale back state-provided benefits for former Presidents and their spouses, including official residences.