SC petition challenges move to scrap ex-Presidents’ perks

A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the government’s proposed legislation to revoke privileges granted to former Presidents.

The petition was submitted by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Renuka Perera, naming the Attorney General as the respondent.

On August 7, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill to Parliament, seeking to abolish the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986. The proposed law, gazetted on July 31, 2025, aims to end benefits such as official residences, monthly allowances, secretarial support, transport facilities, and pensions for former Presidents, their widows, and retired Members of Parliament.