Pay rent of Rs. 4.6 mn or vacate residence: AKD tells MR

19 January 2025 08:09 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 89 Bookmark

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Colombo, January 19 (Daily Mirror)- The rent for the residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was valuated as Rs. 4.6 million per month and he could either pay the rent or leave the residence, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

He told a meeting in Katukurunda that according to the Act, former Presidents are entitled to either a residence or one-third of their salary and that the government will provide one-third of the salary to Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"The government will provide Rs. 30,000 allowance which is one-third of their salary. He can stay at the residence by paying the remaining Rs. 4.6 million," he said.

The President said the residence of former president Chandrika Kumaratunga will also be evaluated soon. "I sent valuators to her residence. But, she was in London for two weeks. Now, we will send evaluators to assess her residence soon," he said.

He also said luxury vehicles of the government will be auctioned in February as it is costly for the government to maintain such a luxury vehicle fleet.

The President said a resolution to abolish the pension of MPs will be presented to parliament soon adding that MPs will be provided food in Parliament canteen at the market price. "If the food is priced at Rs. 2,000, they need to pay Rs. 2,000 and consume the food," he said.

He said the government will develop the country step by step and several development projects will start soon.

The President said the Sampur Solar Power plant will start soon as a joint venture of the Indian Company and Ceylon Electricity Board. "A joint venture company will be established with shares of 50 per cent to each company," he said.

He also said the government was able to come to an agreement with the Indian Company to supply electricity generated in the project at 0.597 dollars per unit whereas it was agreed during the former government to purchase a unit at 0.7 dollars.

He said that during his visit to China, the Chinese government donated a conference hall (Rs. 20,000 million) to be established at the Colombo port city where international conferences and business conferences can be held.

Comments - 89

Yohan Sunday, 19 January 2025 08:24 PM

Do it. Kick him out. Also pass new laws scraping all kinds of previladges for past presidents Scrap pension for parliament members, scrap vehicle and free fuel allowance too.

16 288

Russel Harmmer Monday, 20 January 2025 03:06 AM

Exactly, why waste public money to feed the thieves who looted our country. Hon. President AKD implement this good theory to MR as soon as possible.

2 44

Lal Piyal Mendis Monday, 20 January 2025 11:21 AM

Having Mansions in Dubai, UK, Uganda

3 24

Namal Monday, 20 January 2025 03:22 AM

This is peanuts for the billionaire of SEAsia...He will pay even more. Better to spend the stolen money on earth because he cannot take it with him on the final journey.

4 26

Dr. M.Mohamed Mustafa Monday, 20 January 2025 04:52 AM

Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, please kick him out and save that money for the poor masses, because Mahinda played out (robbed) the public money and created a crisis in our country. Never let Rajapakshe's come into politics and Runnie our country.

4 27

SM Monday, 20 January 2025 05:14 AM

Great work AKD! Well done. Do this for all politicians past and present!

3 20

kandy man Monday, 20 January 2025 07:12 AM

Well said sir

4 18

Nande Monday, 20 January 2025 12:12 PM

Absolutely stop wasting tax payers' money if it's not covered by legislation. Hope this is not another show campaign to win LG polls..waiting for fastest action

6 9

Kaithan knows nothing Monday, 20 January 2025 12:56 PM

This can't be true? Who did the valuation?

6 2

Sambo Sunday, 19 January 2025 08:25 PM

This is called justice. You have eaten enough money of the public and still cannot try to live on the public money. So pay or leave. It's up to you.

13 227

Joshua Sunday, 19 January 2025 08:27 PM

He can pay out of his petty cash float.

3 174

ACA Sunday, 19 January 2025 08:28 PM

Rs 4.6 million a month? Is the residence in New York or London ?

166 118

Dr. Dee esquire Sunday, 19 January 2025 09:13 PM

Manhattan for sure! Not even Malibu!

113 61

Dr.Herath Monday, 20 January 2025 02:23 AM

you have not been to NY for sure, its a day's rent in some areas mate!!

6 27

Quintus George Sunday, 19 January 2025 08:32 PM

What about the president house somewhere near KKS in Jaffna

5 94

Kumara Sunday, 19 January 2025 09:02 PM

He built it illegally in a private piece of land while the army occupied the area (was in high security zone). Hand the property back to legal owners.

5 146

EMILY JOACK Monday, 20 January 2025 08:11 PM

who is the real owner of land? real owner come forward please and claim the land

0 0

Ivor Sunday, 19 January 2025 08:36 PM

Well done AKD!

14 154

jay Sunday, 19 January 2025 08:39 PM

what a luxury life huh? we are fighting for peanuts with each other while elite class is thriving. Well done akd

8 145

sam Sunday, 19 January 2025 08:40 PM

What a waste of public funds when people are struggling to live!!

5 132

Kinza Majid Sunday, 19 January 2025 08:45 PM

Why won't you do something to develop the country rather than just talking nonsense? You promised to bring all the looted money but not a cent has been brought in! You said you have all the files you need to bring MR to justice and you asked only for the power to do it; you have been given that - NOW WHY WON'T YOU JUST DO SOMETHING WITHOUT CHASING PENNIES AND TRYING TO HOODWINK AND DISTRACT THE PEOPLE?

184 232

Teacher Sunday, 19 January 2025 10:38 PM

Hello kinza. Don’t jump wait for two years. KG 1 KG 2. GRADE 1. Gradually go up.

20 92

Vivekan Vivian Sunday, 19 January 2025 11:14 PM

Kinza are you too occupying a state property?

8 52

Daya Weerasinghe Monday, 20 January 2025 06:38 AM

Very true. A President of a country must have better things to do other than talking to the gallery.

23 17

Dilakshan Seneviratne Monday, 20 January 2025 12:09 PM

Better things like robbing and killing like the previous ones?

6 12

last chance Monday, 20 January 2025 07:22 AM

Majid use your brain , the government just completed 2 months on the 15 January 2025 and in the swearing in ceremony president said very clearly that he is not a magician please remember that, he needs more time and things he is doing is exemplary. What he has promised to the country is being turned in to deeds and he is doing all that according to the laws governing in the country.He cant be M R who set up kangaroo courts to take revenge from SF contravening the laws of the country.

8 25

mp Monday, 20 January 2025 08:22 AM

It is not talking nonsense. He is doing the correct thing. One way of development is STOP corruption. This is corruption. One family has entirely looted the wealth of this country. Much valuable things can be done after blocking corruption. Don't sympathize or talk in favour of political robbers, while majority of people are suffering because of these political robbers.

3 21

D P P Prasad Sunday, 19 January 2025 08:48 PM

MR is a burden to this country until he was holding the office as the executive president he ruined this country. This man is thinking that he is immortal even though he is much more old he never relinquishes his greediness

16 136

sara Sunday, 19 January 2025 09:04 PM

No other president in Sri Lankan history has spoken like this. Well done, AKD! If AKD hadn't become president, MR could have stayed in the house forever, even if Sajith had become president

14 150

Suresh Monday, 20 January 2025 06:48 AM

Will apply to Mrs Ranasinghe Premadasa too ...

2 46

Mizaru Sunday, 19 January 2025 09:08 PM

Way to go Comrade Anura. What about Ranil? Please expedite a new constitution and get rid of all this crap.

11 113

Kikazaru Sunday, 19 January 2025 09:10 PM

For the last 76 years it has been you scratch my back and I will scratch yours. Now is coming to an end. Nice.

7 109

kautilya Sunday, 19 January 2025 09:12 PM

This decision is great, I hope he will follow through and get MR to leave the residence.

5 104

Ravi K Sunday, 19 January 2025 09:15 PM

Good move. MR can afford since he has pocked a lot of money through so called ‘ white money’ programs

6 85

karu Sunday, 19 January 2025 09:30 PM

highly corrupted family. no wonder the country once faced a bankruptcy

3 83

Ram P Sunday, 19 January 2025 09:37 PM

Super decision that was never expected. JR only paved the way and these politicians amalgamated two blocks of large lands and built palaces. M S was aske o leave by our SC and if MR fails to leave he AKD will go through courts. MR must be given reasonable time to leave

4 66

dcol Sunday, 19 January 2025 09:55 PM

So a). assume same goes for Hema Premadasa, CBK, and MS too? b). If MR vacate the house you can easily rent it for Rs 4.5M a month?

3 72

K.M.J. Fernando - [Attorney-at-Law] Monday, 20 January 2025 03:14 AM

Start the game with MR and chase him out, then the rest will learn a good lesson and automatically vacate their houses, and the Govt. can easily gain some Millions to cover up the debts those rotten fellows created.

2 13

dcol Monday, 20 January 2025 03:48 PM

As a lawyer you should know better that a law abiding govt can't start with MR. It has to be started in the order of those houses were granted. So should be Hema or CBK and then MR followed by MS and Gota. You can't just do things because you hate some one

0 0

Dinesh Sunday, 19 January 2025 10:46 PM

One can argue, It is a misuse of public funds. However, according to the relevant legislation, the government is obligated to provide a suitable residence or one-third of the salary to the ex presidents. Consequently, the government must find accommodation in Colombo for Rs. 30,000. Given the current market rates, it is challenging to secure a room in Colombo for Rs. 30,000. This provision applies to all cabinet ministers as well. Also for govt. servants. Live with reality.

74 55

Shallow minded always speaks loud but no action where it needed. Monday, 20 January 2025 09:05 AM

Of course, this man speaks like MR is staying there illegally. This Pacha Mama must change the regulations first before ridiculing the current system. The other thing, who is this man to criticise MR who wholeheartedly dedicated to save the country from the LTTE?

17 10

B P Sunday, 19 January 2025 11:49 PM

No comments about the decision. This man always forgets he is the President now and still shouts in his cheap ways, from which he cannot come out, may be due to decades of being just an MP. AND to hide his Inability to deliver more important promises.

16 14

Cheers Monday, 20 January 2025 02:02 AM

AKD go home you are a looser cannt even compare to MR

26 12

L Jaya Monday, 20 January 2025 02:06 AM

How could one syphoned such funds from public purse. Too much, give him 3 months to vacate. Further non of the previous governments kept a blind eye and allowed to drain money and tax the most vulnerable, VAT

6 3

Its nothing for him Monday, 20 January 2025 02:40 AM

This is like .000000001% of what he has looted over the years.

3 13

SK Jinadasa - Leading businessman Monday, 20 January 2025 03:10 AM

Paying Rs. 4.6 million is just an ant bite for Mahinda as he could do it paying from his easy looted money.

3 12

Pacha Kumaraya Monday, 20 January 2025 03:21 AM

What you told people was that you will bring the looted money back. This is not looted money. We do not want side shows

8 12

Nalaka Wethasinghe Monday, 20 January 2025 03:29 AM

Mr President its time you start performing rather than coming up with these hoodwinking stories during general election you promised a lot but you couldn't deliver a single thing. Also those who got elected some them were crooks who came with fraudulent qualifications and titles. Others just talk cannot perform messing up everything.As a person voted for you I am disappointed but others are crooks as well so there no alternatives. Because provincial elections are coming you are coming up with these stories but I feel you cannot do anything.

18 17

vdot Monday, 20 January 2025 04:10 AM

why do these has been have to live in Colombo? What useful purpose does it serve ? I researched and found no public housing is provided to Past Presidents even in the first country in the world.. .When did this privilege happen and why?.. OUR people did not question this drain of resources .they were blind , deaf and mute ..even the educated elite ..and reforming this situation some interpret as a revenge ..the mind conditioned to accept entitlements and privilege of those in power .

1 12

Nihal S Monday, 20 January 2025 05:11 AM

Well done Anura, no one is above the law. These are the system changes we wanted for this country. Rajapakse and family looted our country. Yes we pay massive amount to give them comfort while the poor has no means to find 3 meals per day. Mahinda is a burden on the country people, your King days are coming to end soon.

4 13

Devaka Fernando Monday, 20 January 2025 05:17 AM

Ha ha ha! Who really believe this joke? Playing for the gallery

12 18

Indra Dasa Monday, 20 January 2025 05:22 AM

4.6 M Rupees is around US $ 16,400. If these Residences used for High End Tourists to generate Dollars by Sri Lanka Tourist Board it could be earned more than US $ 30,000 per month . How many such residences in Colombo and in the other cities, that could generate lots of dollars that could be helped same as using other ways to generate dollar income by increasing exports to established Sri Lanka's economy faster while engaged in manufacturing economy .

1 12

lion Monday, 20 January 2025 06:13 AM

Hats off for you president , you were the man we missed for so many years.

5 12

50 cents Monday, 20 January 2025 06:13 AM

Like a Chandiya acting in front of his Gallery. AKD should not talk about use of govt property but get back the looted property he alleged.

12 13

mina Monday, 20 January 2025 06:14 AM

While ordinary man is struggling to have one square meal day these rouges live in luxury even after robbing this country.

5 11

President''s Counsel Monday, 20 January 2025 07:04 AM

If the Presidents are entitled to either a residence or one-third of their salary, MR has a legal right to stay in the government house given to him. If MR goes to court, AKD and the government will lose.

12 15

Niroshan Bibile Monday, 20 January 2025 07:12 AM

Feel this is all playing to the gallery, cause it was confirmed by president AKD's office itself in November that MR is entited to this said residence and a pension apart from three vehicles which includes two Mercedes benz and a land cruiser (a 2008 s600, a 2017 land cruiser and another 2013 mercedez) along with 1960 litres of montly fuel allowance (thats about Rs.750,000), this also inludes three designated drivers...so President AKD could have done something about all these perks amd allowances back then, why wait all these months....if atleast now he does it its good but just feel this is just talk only. The press release by the president's media division is available online...we need action, not just talking about it meetings.

7 14

martin Monday, 20 January 2025 07:23 AM

We will if AKD will go back to his old house in Thabutegama after leaving this job

5 9

Kudabanda Monday, 20 January 2025 07:45 AM

His son can inherit it.

6 3

Dr. Dee esquire Monday, 20 January 2025 07:46 AM

Now this talk will Make people forget rice and salt shortage!

9 10

GIA LANKA Monday, 20 January 2025 07:52 AM

HELLO AKD PUTHA WHY YOU NOT ARREST THE RAJAPAKSA HUTHIGAY PUTHAS

4 5

DOT Monday, 20 January 2025 08:03 AM

ADK is tough after Beijng Will be tougher when the LG polls come!

2 10

Perera Monday, 20 January 2025 08:04 AM

AKD is talking about petty issues again to satisfy gallery people. Get the rental issues handle by relevant minister and officials. Govt must focus on catching big fish who have allegedly swindled multi billion dollars and recover the money immediately

4 15

So, Rajapassas no more relevant to Kingdom of Lanka? Monday, 20 January 2025 08:19 AM

We were under the impression that Rajapassas inherited the Kingdom of Lanka, with all plants, rivers, lakes, mountains, buildings and roadways. So, when he said he needed a mansion to meet foreign dignitaries, as retired president, we believed it and Ranil gave it. And now AKD says that is no such inheritance. Wow! It calls for National celebration as a Day of redemption from false pretense. What a way to go!

1 5

Ariya Gamage Monday, 20 January 2025 08:21 AM

AKD at his campaign meetings said that no new vehicles will be given to MP'S .However his government has now decided to import brand new vehicle's to MP'S.This why AKD is called "kaiya nayska"

5 10

Ian Bertus Monday, 20 January 2025 08:27 AM

This collosal waste of poor tax payers money must end. Please draft a new constitution, limiting salaries, previledges, perks and foreign travel to politicians. Any increases or revisions must be approved at a referendum. Also establish a public prosecutors Office. Remember, if they ever come back to power they will restore all these priviledges. So stamp it out. People gave you 2/3 majority to stop this nonsence and pass a new constitution.

0 10

CitizenP Monday, 20 January 2025 08:39 AM

I think Rs.4.6 million is peanut for him...He is a Dollar multibillionaire.

1 11

Mike Revere Monday, 20 January 2025 08:43 AM

How did these robbers and cheaters get away with all these for so long. Imprison Shiranthi first.

1 10

MirakRajBanda Monday, 20 January 2025 08:45 AM

4.6m X let's say 10 years, ie. 120 months 4.6 X 120 = 552m in total, we stupid tax payers took the burden 52 croes to pay so called rent in Wijerama Road. Let him repay the money back to treasury with immediate effect.

1 9

james Monday, 20 January 2025 08:57 AM

When you put the OR, its up to the former President to decide which to chose. I am sure MR will not accept your 30000. After all, he has done more to the country than you have by stopping the war while you AKD went into shock when Tamil Chelvam died according to Wimal Weerawansa in JVP meeting. Giving a bungalow to spend the sunset years comfortably is the least we can do.

13 4

Chris Monday, 20 January 2025 09:04 AM

Out you go.Enough of these leeches living on public money.Make sure he does and get at least 6 months advance and a lease agreement done.

1 8

Cecil Hedwige Monday, 20 January 2025 09:23 AM

Way to go AKD,keep it going.They have screwed the public enough.

2 8

Carlos Monday, 20 January 2025 09:50 AM

Rs. 4.6 million per month???? Sri Lanka has had the worst financial crisis in the history and these people are paying Rs. 4.6 million per month!!!!!! Something seriously wrong with the way Sri Lanka is operating? While on the subject? What happened to the tsunami aid???? In 2007, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) claimed that more than $500 million in tsunami aid to Sri Lanka was missing. What is the current government is doing about it? I am a European tourist currently visiting SL and I'm totally shocked at what I've been reading.

0 8

Guppi Monday, 20 January 2025 09:57 AM

Right, good. However, we must acknowledge that someone earning 4.6 million a month pays one-third of their income as tax, amounting to an annual saving of only 36 million. At the end of the day, whether MR looted or not; as we all await the Ugandan findings, he did bring an end to the war. Credit where it's due. Despite despising his family, the man deserves to be cared for, at least in a safe place

7 7

Sirimalwatta Monday, 20 January 2025 10:21 AM

Pass new laws scraping all kinds of privileges for all politicians Scrap pension for parliament members, scrap vehicle and free fuel allowance etc..

0 7

RanjithT Monday, 20 January 2025 10:32 AM

We can look at this emotionally as I have seen in many comments or look at objectively. Providing a house to an ex president is as per the Presidents Entitlement Act no 04 of 1986. I quote below the relevant article.....Quote. "The Presidents Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986 provides for the provision of official residences, allowances, and facilities to former Presidents and widows of former Presidents in Sri Lanka. Every former President and widow of a former President is entitled to the use of an appropriate residence free of rent. If an appropriate residence is not provided, a monthly allowance equivalent to one-third of the monthly pension is to be paid." Unquote. ..... Whether we like it or not love him or hate him so far he is provided with a house. Now if the government wants to withdraw this facility there should be a valid reason not just the deemed rent. Government should be careful in withdrawing an entitled facility on an arbitrary basis.

7 6

LankanLover Monday, 20 January 2025 10:56 AM

This is one way of wasting public funds so yeah I welcome the decision, I believe in AKD.

1 6

King Chethiya Monday, 20 January 2025 11:01 AM

When AKD said that rent for the residence given to MR is valued as Rs 4.6 million per month, it appears that some people assume MR is earning more than Rs 4.6 million per month. 1. Who estimated the rent as 4.6 million per month and is this a realistic estimate? 2. What about the rent estimate for residence given to other presidents like Sirisena? 3. If a presiden is entitled to a residence or one third of his salary, why MR cannot choose to have the residence? It appears that AKD has started talking BS just to please the gallary.

7 8

Sarath Kumara Monday, 20 January 2025 11:28 AM

Act like a Political Leader rather than behaving like a School Boy..Why don't you do something as you promised ..! You talk lots of nonsense to please a poor community..

5 8

Surain Monday, 20 January 2025 11:38 AM

it is sad that the President of the country talking like an irresponsible street vendor first study the law before utter useless words to make the gallery chun (happy) as per the law once you give something for use after sometime it become a right you just cant withdraw or change them in some cases not even 2/3 majority can do them unless decide by the people through referendum you will only see cases filling in the highest court for violating constitution

4 7

Nihal Monday, 20 January 2025 12:20 PM

I doubt if this property will earn a monthly rent of Rs 4.5 m. However, ig is very clear we are spending far too much to keep this robber in the comfort zone. I suggest that the Government give him what is entitled (min) under the legislations and use this property to fund a worthy cause such as the Cancer Hospital. We know that Rajapakse used Government fund to expand this residence during his rule of the country misusing public funds. This is why the rental estimate is Soo high. It may have pools, tennis courts etc.

3 3

Rathu Makara Monday, 20 January 2025 01:09 PM

He does these shows in front of poorly educated countrymen. Even after 100 days we have not heard him address an intellectual audience to date

2 6

Valuation Monday, 20 January 2025 03:09 PM

This is true, do you know how much embassy staff pay around Bullers lane etc as rent ? USD 8-10,000/- those are much smaller than what MR is staying in. That’s almost 2.8-3.00 million rupees.

0 0

Chandra Kantha Weeraman Monday, 20 January 2025 05:04 PM

Anura Kumara, Stop all these Boru Stage Shows..You act like Ranjan Ramanayaka ..another Con Artist..! Please ..the time has come for you to be a responsible Leader and put your presentation about Education, Healthcare,Employment and Development of this nation with teamwork. Don't put these cheap Meetings in the front poor community for Personal gains..!! You got a lot to learn as a Political Leader and A PRESIDENT..!! Your behaviour is absolutely CHILDISH..!!

0 3

ANNE CUNT Monday, 20 January 2025 08:25 PM

DO NOT FORGET GOTA and BASIL

1 0

ROHINI Wednesday, 22 January 2025 04:18 AM

AKD YOU HAVE THE MANDATE. EXCERSISE IT AND REVOKE ALL THE PERKS. WHY SHOULD THE POOR TAX PAYER SUPPORT MRS PREMADASA .GET HER TO PAY OR LEAVE.THESE PEOPLE ARE BLEEDING THE poor tax payer .It is time they realise that good things don't last forever.

0 0

ROHINI Wednesday, 22 January 2025 04:18 AM

AKD YOU HAVE THE MANDATE. EXCERSISE IT AND REVOKE ALL THE PERKS. WHY SHOULD THE POOR TAX PAYER SUPPORT MRS PREMADASA .GET HER TO PAY OR LEAVE.THESE PEOPLE ARE BLEEDING THE poor tax payer .It is time they realise that good things don't last forever.

0 0

Dev Wednesday, 22 January 2025 07:15 PM

MR can have 5 luxury waterfront houses in Sydney , 2nd most expensive city in the world . How stupid are AKD and JVP! May be the govt should pay him a massive pension for him to live like any other retired President of any other country. If he was corrupt prosecute him for that . Don’t mix two together.

0 0

You are nothing Thursday, 23 January 2025 05:10 PM

You are nothing but a long nosed pinokio compared to a national hero like Mahinda.

0 0

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