Former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who was ousted in June last year, has been allocated a new state-sponsored luxury mansion in Stanmore Crescent, which is normally owned by the Foreign Minister in an official capacity, the Daily Mirror reports. (Sri Lanka Latest News)
According to the law governing the privileges and immunities of retired heads of state, former presidents of Sri Lanka are entitled to a state-sponsored home. However, since Gotabhaya Rajapaksa left office in the middle of his tenure after the popular uprising, the law is not clear regarding providing him such a facility.
The aforementioned luxury mansion located at Stanmore Crescent, Colombo 7 is usually assigned to the current Minister of Foreign Affairs. Informed sources stated that Foreign Minister Ali Sabri expressed his wish to give this house to Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The late Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera previously resided in this house. It is reported to the Daily Mirror that the house had been extensively renovated before being given to Gotabha.
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was allocated a Government House on Malalasekara Mawatha soon after he resigned from office in July last year amid growing anger at his inability to manage the economic crisis.
Sources say that Gotabhaya Rajapaksa finally left the house saying that the allotted house was noisy, and despite the fact that a huge security force was deployed for him, he raised issues about his security. Rajapakse then came to the heavily guarded Mirihana house and asked for a new house.
It is learned that after this new request of the former President came, Foreign Minister Ali Sabri was not residing there and consented to it.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Shanakya Rasamanikkam alleged in Parliament yesterday (07) that Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabri has given former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa a new official residence at Stanmore Crescent.
Minister Ramesh Pathirana, who denied the allegation, said that no such thing has happened and that the Foreign Minister has no authority to provide quarters to anyone.