Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala assured Parliament today (11) that the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill will not affect the security arrangements provided to retired Presidents.
The Minister emphasized that security for former heads of state is managed separately and remains fully intact. He added that any individual with safety concerns may submit a request to the Security Risk Committee, which is responsible for assessing threats and granting additional protection if necessary.
Detailing the support provided, Minister Wijepala noted that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is currently assigned 111 personnel, including:
9 medical staff
8 drivers
2 clerks
5 mechanical staff
1 naval aide
46 special operations personnel
16 chefs
26 electricians
4 civil engineers
4 technical engineers
2 storekeepers
3 physical trainers
1 carpenter
1 dog handler
Meanwhile, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been provided with over 60 personnel, including:
3 medical assistants
1 maintenance technician
6 drivers
5 clerks
8 security officers
13 support staff
8 chefs
3 technical specialists
1 fitness trainer
6 special professionals
1 dog handler
The Minister also disclosed that in 2024 the government spent Rs. 98.5 million on benefits and entitlements for retired Presidents and their widows. The expenditure breakdown is as follows:
Hema Premadasa – Rs. 2.687 million
Chandrika Kumaratunga – Rs. 16.43 million
Mahinda Rajapaksa – Rs. 54.62 million
Maithripala Sirisena – Rs. 15.77 million
Gotabaya Rajapaksa – Rs. 12.28 million
Ranil Wickremesinghe – Rs. 3.49 million
Minister Wijepala stressed that while financial entitlements may be revised, security for former leaders will remain unchanged in order to ensure their safety.
