The Presidential Secretariat has addressed recent media reports suggesting a reduction in the security provided to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, clarifying that these reports are inaccurate.
According to the Presidential Secretariat, former President Rajapaksa continues to receive full entitlements as outlined by the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986. This includes a presidential pension, an official residence on Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo 07, and an allowance for a secretary.
Additionally, the former President has been provided with three official vehicles: a 2008 Mercedes Benz 600 Maybach, a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser, and a 2013 Mercedes Benz G63 AMG. He is allotted a monthly fuel allowance of 1,950 liters, along with three designated drivers.
Security arrangements for former President Rajapaksa are jointly managed by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security. His security detail includes a contingent of military personnel comprising three commando officers, 37 other ranks, along with four officers and 19 other ranks from additional units. In total, seven army officers and 56 other ranks are assigned to his protection.
In addition to the military support, 180 police officers, including 29 police drivers, are assigned to the former President’s security.
A cabinet sub-committee has been established to review the privileges of former presidents, with future actions to be determined based on its recommendations.
