The government is considering handing over the official residence on Wijerama Road, Colombo, currently occupied by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
It is reported that the matter was discussed at a recent meeting attended by a group of senior government officials.
A Bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act and abolish special privileges granted to former Presidents was presented to Parliament, following Cabinet approval on June 16, 2025, for the Legal Draftsman to prepare the necessary legislation.
The Government hopes to pass the Bill in the House in the near future.
Once enacted, all other facilities provided to former Presidents, including official residences, will be withdrawn, with only pension entitlements retained.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s ruling on the constitutionality of the proposed Bill is expected to be submitted to the Speaker soon.
The official residence on Wijerama Mawatha, where Rajapaksa currently resides, was previously occupied by former President Maithripala Sirisena. Prior to that, it served as the official residence for several other senior Ministers.
Mahinda Rajapaksa said earlier that he will vacate his official residence on Wijerama Mawatha once the bill is passed.