The government is reportedly considering handing over the official residence on Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo — currently occupied by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa — to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
According to reports, the proposal was discussed at a recent meeting involving a group of high-ranking government officials. The move comes in line with broader efforts to repeal the Presidents' Entitlements Act, which currently grants various privileges to former heads of state.
A bill to abolish these special privileges — including the use of official residences — was presented to Parliament earlier this year. On June 16, 2025, the Cabinet approved instructions for the Legal Draftsman to prepare the necessary legislation.
Once the bill is enacted, all benefits afforded to former presidents — apart from their pensions — will be withdrawn.
The Supreme Court's ruling on the constitutionality of the proposed bill is expected to be presented to the Speaker in the coming days, potentially clearing the way for its passage in Parliament.
The residence in question has a history of serving as official quarters for senior leaders. Before Rajapaksa, it was occupied by former President Maithripala Sirisena, and previously by several other cabinet ministers.
