In a landmark decision, Sri Lanka’s Parliament has voted 151 to 1 to abolish almost all state benefits for former presidents and their widows. Under the newly enacted law, the only state-supported benefit that ex-presidents retain is their pension, which ends upon their death. Spouses will no longer receive any continuation of payments.
This marks the end of nearly four decades of special privileges enjoyed under the 1986 Presidents’ Entitlements Act.
What Has Changed
- Abolished: Official residences, government vehicles, fuel allowances, domestic staff, secretarial support, and other ministerial-level privileges.
- Retained: Only pensions, safeguarded under the Constitution, remain. Officials have hinted that even pensions could be reconsidered in a future constitutional overhaul.
The Numbers
- In 2024, the government spent Rs. 98.5 million on benefits for five ex-presidents and one widow.
- That equals an average of Rs. 1.37 million per month per beneficiary.
- By comparison, a single sitting of Parliament now costs about Rs. 50 million, up from Rs. 31.2 million in 2022.
Why the Government Made the Move
Several overlapping motivations explain why the government pushed through this reform:
- Public Pressure and Populism
Since the 2022 economic collapse, Sri Lankans have demanded an end to political privilege and wasteful spending. Scrapping ex-presidents’ perks became a politically popular — almost unavoidable — move. - Fulfilling Election Promises
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the National People’s Power (NPP) campaigned on cutting political excess and building a “culture of accountability.” Repealing the entitlements was a high-visibility pledge. - Legal and Constitutional Clearance
Pensions are constitutionally protected, but other benefits were not. The Supreme Court ruled that removing entitlements did not require a two-thirds majority or referendum, clearing the way for a simple majority vote. - Fiscal Constraints
With debt, inflation, and IMF-driven reforms reshaping the economy, symbolic spending cuts on political privileges help the government show it is serious about austerity and redirecting funds to public needs.
Risks and Criticisms
While the decision is broadly welcomed, some analysts warn of unintended consequences:
- Incentives While in Office
Without dignified post-office support, presidents may be tempted to maximize personal gain while in power, increasing corruption risks. - Small Fiscal Impact
The Rs. 98.5 million saved annually is minor in the context of Sri Lanka’s debt burden. The move is more symbolic than financially transformative. - Future Legal Uncertainty
Reducing or abolishing pensions would require constitutional amendments and could trigger political resistance.
The Bigger Picture
The repeal of ex-presidential perks is a powerful political message: Sri Lanka is moving away from privilege politics toward a leaner, more accountable state. Yet it also raises questions about whether stripping away post-office dignity could encourage abuse of power while in office.
Ultimately, the measure is good populist politics but questionable long-term policy. The real challenge lies ahead — building institutions where accountability exists during power, not just after it.
