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Millions allocated for former presidents in 2023, Treasury makes no cuts

2 February 2023 07:51 am - 55     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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-Millions continue to be allocated for past heads of state in 2023 with a bulk of it going towards the maintenance of their state homes and vehicles

-The state has to allocate for 4 past Presidents, namely Chandrika Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Hema Premadasa, wife of the late Ranasinghe Premadasa also gets a budget allocation under this category

With 2022 bringing on an economic disaster for Sri Lankan citizens, one would expect the Treasury to reduce its budget allocations for 2023 in almost all areas where it can.

However, according to figures released by the Treasury exposing the budget allocations for 2023, little has been reduced from last year and in some instances the allocations have only increased since 2022.

One such area is the facilities offered to former Presidents. According to official figures, millions continue to be allocated for the past heads of state in 2023 with a bulk of it going towards the maintenance of their state homes and vehicles.

Currently, the state has to allocate for 4 past Presidents, namely Chandrika Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Hema Premadasa, wife of the late Ranasinghe Premadasa also gets a budget allocation under this category.

Chandrika Kumaratunga -

Official figures show that for 2023, the Treasury has allocated Rs.1 million 170,000 as retirement benefits for Chandrika Kumaratunga, which is the same figure allocated for 2022. Under an area titled 'Other', Kumaratunga has been allocated a further Rs.3 million 500,000 for 2023 which is an increase compared to the Rs.3 million allocated for 2022 and Rs.1.4 million allocated for 2021. Under the capital expenditure, Kumaratunga has been allocated Rs.1 million under 'Buildings and Structures' which is the same amount allocated for 2022.

A massive Rs.10 million has been allocated for vehicles in 2023 compared to the Rs.2 million allocated for 2022.

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Official figures show that for 2023, the Treasury has allocated Rs.1 million 170,000 as retirement benefits for Mahinda Rajapaksa, which is the same figure allocated for 2022. Under an area titled 'Other', Mahinda Rajapaksa has been allocated a further Rs.11 million for 2023 which is an increase compared to the Rs.10 million allocated for 2022 and Rs.6.8 million allocated for 2021. Under the capital expenditure, Mahinda Rajapaksa has been allocated Rs.1 million under 'Buildings and Structures' which is the same amount allocated for 2022.

A massive Rs.10 million has been allocated for vehicles in 2023 compared to the Rs.2 million allocated for 2022.

Mahinda Rajapaksa also recently shifted back to the Wijerama Road Residence in Colombo 7 offered by the state which was repaired at a whopping Rs.800 million, even amidst the economic crisis. The state residence in which he had temporarily shifted into along the Bauddhaloka Mawatha while the Wijerama residence was being uplifted has now been allocated to his brother, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who was forced to leave office in July 2022 due to his mismanagement. In fact, experts say the economic crisis spiraled further out of control under his presidency with people having to stand for hours in queues for their basics including medicines and food. He now lives in a luxurious state bungalow provided by the state.

In 2022, the Treasury had allocated Rs.70 million for the Office of the Prime Minister when Mahinda Rajapaksa was the Premier under 'Overtime and Holiday Payments', a reduction from the Rs.74 million allocated in 2021. For 'travel expenses both domestic and foreign', the Treasury allocated Rs.12 million in 2022, a reduction from the Rs.37 million allocated for 2021.

Under 'maintenance expenditure' for 2022, Rs.229 million was allocated by the Treasury to maintain the office of the Prime Minister compared to the Rs.213 million allocated for 2021.

Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as the Prime Minister in May 2022 following nationwide protests against Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the government.

Maithripala Sirisena

Official figures show that for 2023, the Treasury has allocated Rs.1 million 170,000 as retirement benefits for Maithripala Sirisena, which is the same figure allocated for 2022. Under an area titled 'Other', Sirisena has been allocated a further Rs.11 million for 2023 which is an increase compared to the Rs.10 million allocated for 2022 and Rs.7.9 million allocated for 2021. Under the capital expenditure, Sirisena has been allocated Rs.1 million under 'Buildings and Structures' which is the same amount allocated for 2022.

A massive Rs.10 million has been allocated for vehicles in 2023 compared to the Rs.2 million allocated for 2022.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Official figures show that for 2023, the Treasury has allocated Rs.1 million 170,000 as retirement benefits for Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Under an area titled 'Other', Gotabaya has been allocated a further Rs.10 million for 2023. Under the capital expenditure, Gotabaya has been allocated Rs.1 million under 'Buildings and Structures'. Rs.2 million has been allocated for vehicles in 2023.

Hema Premadasa

Official figures show that for 2023, the Treasury has allocated Rs.780,000 as retirement benefits for Hema Premadasa, the wife of Ranasinghe Premadasa, which is the same figure allocated for 2022. Under an area titled 'Other', Hema has been allocated a further Rs.1 million 500,000 for 2023 which is an increase compared to the Rs.1 million 300,000 allocated for 2022 and Rs.770,000 allocated for 2021. Under the capital expenditure, Hema has been allocated Rs.1 million under 'Buildings and Structures' which is the same amount allocated for 2022.

A massive Rs.5 million has been allocated for vehicles in 2023 compared to the Rs.800,000 allocated for 2022.


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  Comments - 55

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  • Karu Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:04 AM

    API OKKOMA YAALUVO MALII....bye bye.

    Punchi Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:05 AM

    We are a most powerful superior wealthy 2500 year buddhist civilisation. Our leaders remuneration should reflect our greatness and prosperity

    Gama Rala Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:11 AM

    How can we expect the IMF to bail us out when the political crooks at the helm are still robbiing the citizens?

    Robin Banks Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:16 AM

    This is Robin Hood in reverse. Robbing the poor to feed the rich (politicians). This nightmare will only end when these criminal politicians are imprisoned and the stolen loot recoverd.

    Don Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:18 AM

    Given current legislation, we can not do anything about the past and ongoing commitments due the law. However in the future, a new government should develop a new legislation. To be entitled for a pension, at least people should elect a person two consecutive times. If a public servant has to work many decades to get pension, there should be a balance. Then giving a house to a former president to live, must be formalized by allocating a house within an triforce security area. That prevents personal security allocations. There is no need to give any other administrative or support staff. No need to give travel allowances and vehicles. Let them have own vehicles. Giving security is ok without going overboard. If they did crimes during office, no security can prevent them getting harmed. The lesson is not to do any crimes against people.

    Nilmini Welivita Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:24 AM

    We must allocate more to the Honourable Rajapaksas for the great service to our mother land.

    White elephants galore Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:25 AM

    We the Public are sick of reading this information about millions of public money spent on all these white elephants for staying idle and not providing service to the community. Compare them to the sick public who are dying daily of cancer at the rate of 46 per day.

    sam Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:25 AM

    Big joke. Treasury has also lost its way

    Save the Rajapaksas from famine. Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:30 AM

    This is so unfair to Basil. He will die of starvation if he doesn't receive any benefits. We will start a go -fund -me campaign in his honour. Please donate to: http//save the starving crow .

    Beggars Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:31 AM

    Never choose a young man or woman as the next President. At least it will not be necessary to "Maintain" them for long periods.

    MirakRajBanda Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:33 AM

    so I'm paying the increased tax to look after these dogs!!! I'll pay no tax and bribe the taxman when and where possible. Full stop!!!

    Ranil Wickramasinghe Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:37 AM

    Hema Premadasa should pay compensation to the people of SL for producing someone like Sajith. I wonder if it's too late to shove him back inside.

    Cherath Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:39 AM

    Most countries with desperate economic situations got there because of the humongous disparity in treatment by the State between the privileged and the honest who live with none to care. The men and woman in the pic (except Mrs.P) just know how to talk the walk.

    Karunakaran p Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:40 AM

    Shows only JVP is capable of breaking this vicious cycle of corruption and nepotism.

    Karthic Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:44 AM

    Our tax money....!!!!

    Sambo Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:50 AM

    So how on God's earth could this country survive when so many millions has to be put a side for past presidents. What have they done for the people. They have been corrupted and stealing the coffers. They come in millionaires and go as billionaires an nd still live on the public.

    Lets be Fair Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:53 AM

    In a Private company say with 22 thousand staff the top most person such as the CEO gets certain benefits to give him a freedom to fulltime think of the companys progress. The president is the CEO of the country of 22 million. Retirement benefit of Rs97,500 per month (1,170,000/12) is peanuts if we are in a position to appreciate the gravity of that role.

    Mizaru Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:56 AM

    This is a crime. Vote JVP as they have openly criticised maintaining past presidents. The other parties do not talk about this rip off. For a poor and bankrupt country this can not be afforded.

    Johan Thursday, 02 February 2023 08:59 AM

    They have enough wealth acquired during their term.Can't understand why should poor people and public should be burdened with these expenses.They must live on their own house and if no money for their expense means subsequent govt.can put them under VIP SAMURDI category and feed them.That is reasonable .And Gota did not complete his full term. He cannot be regarded as former President

    Nariya Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:00 AM

    Numbers in the table say billions. In words it says millions??

    Lankan Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:02 AM

    Yet; poor people of this country have to pay them to live in retirement as queens and kings ...this demands some changes in our Constitution...will people of this country accept this

    Sri Wickrema Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:09 AM

    Will the authorities deny these figures too?

    Bandu Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:14 AM

    So the story Sira has no money to pay Easter Verdict is untenable.

    Bushel Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:18 AM

    They will justify by sating all over the world past heads of states are getting the same and no exception here. But they must understand those leaders never robbed like these robbers. This has to end and it.s up to the people now.

    Nuwan Janaka Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:20 AM

    All presidents allocate their large sums. But Former president D.B. Wijethunga not in a list.

    Nalin R Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:22 AM

    There is a big concern about the recent increase in taxes for those who earn money with great difficulty. While it is understood that taxes are necessary for the development of the nation, the burden of taxes falls heavily on those who are already struggling to make ends meet and not to the politicians or who do corruptions in this country. So-called corrupt politicians and their henchmen appear to be living luxurious lifestyles while the general population is struggling to make ends meet. It is unacceptable that these individuals are not being held accountable for their actions. In order for real change to occur in this country, it is necessary for the good politicians and the people of Sri Lanka to work together to fix the problems that are affecting the nation. This will require a change in attitudes and a willingness to hold those who have contributed to the country's current situation accountable.

    Mohamed Adham Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:23 AM

    Why are the "PATRIOTS" still scavenging off the tax payer money of us poor masses ? Are'nt the Sinhala Buddhist community in particular, outraged at this massive level of scavenging ? Sajith Premadasa should voluntarily stop the allocation for his Mother. Surely they would have earned enough to last their life times. The same goes to Chandrika, Sirisena too. It is baffling how the masses completely ignore and are Deaf and Dumb to this extravagance, in spite of so many short falls in their very own lives. Lets start this system change from these scroungers onwards.

    Wiseman Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:24 AM

    This is why Elites does not want a common man at the helm, because they will lose their luxuries. Now living off our tax money. All the tax increases and IMF loans are to fund their luxuries.

    Be Fair Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:24 AM

    Why should the Tax Payer maintain the former Presidents.

    Kumaran Wattala Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:27 AM

    Confiscate the wealth looted.by the Crooks. Why should public pay for their mismanagement .

    Man Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:40 AM

    Prospects and ambitions of Daily Mirror is quite clear. The former presidents will agree to make a reduction by raising their hands and notify the most urgent parties / institutes, directly. Those parties / institutes, make their financial shortcomings highlighted and publish, before making a request.

    Muttiah Paranthaman Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:53 AM

    No wonder Sri Lanka has gone bankrupt. Constitution of Sri Lanka has to be rewritten wisely by intelligent men taking away all these benefits even to the Members of Parliament. But will it happen in this island??

    Mike Revere Thursday, 02 February 2023 09:54 AM

    Sri Lanka just has to scrap the executive presidency through a constitutional amendment, so that when these die off, the next generation can have hope for their future

    Russel Harmmer Thursday, 02 February 2023 10:12 AM

    Allocating huge amount of money for former Presidents are absurd, what a waste of our money at this crucial crisis hour, really, it's a curse.

    G.M. Jayasinghe [Activist] Thursday, 02 February 2023 10:15 AM

    Mahinda, Sirisena and Gota are the ones who ruined our country, still they enjoy our money and leading a luxury life. What is the Logic? Once JVP comes to power they will abolish all these un-wanted expenses.

    G.P.T. Fernando (attorney-at-law) Thursday, 02 February 2023 10:16 AM

    Oh My God, such a big amount is allocated for the rogues who destroyed the image of our country.

    EMZO Thursday, 02 February 2023 10:17 AM

    People can't have a meal properly and some stave, but these idiots are eating our money - this has to be stopped.

    Kiris Baba Amaray Thursday, 02 February 2023 10:20 AM

    Instead of recovering the robbed money from these goons, still we pay them to enjoy even the crisis is on. Oonta Henna Ganda Onney ....

    Bannis Mama Thursday, 02 February 2023 10:21 AM

    Before Ranil retires, he will arrange to double of these figures and leave, wait and see.

    Premalal Perera Thursday, 02 February 2023 10:31 AM

    Those who have the spoon let them serve themselves. Those idiots who handed them the spoon let them go hungry.

    Tax Payer Thursday, 02 February 2023 10:35 AM

    All these irregular things are happening when the majority of the population are suffering without proper food and medicines.These allocations are decided by an individual who when he retires expects the same allocations. The irony is that a President who served only a part of One Term and was chased out, also becomes eligible to the same perks and privileges as the President's who served Two Full Terms ! The JVP has to come to power to rectify these crimes.

    Johan Thursday, 02 February 2023 10:47 AM

    MR and Mi3 draw salary for being member of Parliament.. How can they get this retirement?.

    I. D. M. Karunarathna Thursday, 02 February 2023 11:06 AM

    Please get together and pressure up to amend these laws.

    Gunadasa Thursday, 02 February 2023 11:17 AM

    This news item is suggesting former presidents living allowances should be reduced as the country is facing economic problems at present. Based on the same argument shouldn't we also reduce the pension paid to former government servants, although the these pensioners are getting relatively lower amounts?

    Cassim Zarook Thursday, 02 February 2023 11:33 AM

    It is time we look at the legislature seriously. Parliament can pass laws. Such laws should be ethically, morally, and logically correct. Besides Legislature should have a way of feeling the pulse of the voters before bringing any new laws. Often the 225 pass laws that benefit them a great deal with the least publicity. All the Presidents mentioned do not deserve a Tuppens from the treasury. Even at this moment, the Nation is dying, they do not want voluntarily forgo the rewards.

    sam Thursday, 02 February 2023 11:41 AM

    People have no allocation for food and medicines. Looters have all the allocations

    LankanLover Thursday, 02 February 2023 12:21 PM

    this is why these people are greedy to be in politics for the benefits! all these benefits should be confiscated.

    Priyanee Wijesekera Thursday, 02 February 2023 12:22 PM

    As a country we should appreciate the late President D B Wijetumga who retired to his small house at Pilimatalawa and did not claim any of these privileges. But Sri Lanka has almost forgotten this simple gracious man. He was a man of class.

    Dw Thursday, 02 February 2023 12:39 PM

    Don't forget that nothing really happened in Sri Lanka since independence. Now you k ow why. All Sri Lankan politicians did exactly the same thing. Fattening their pockets and having a luxury lives no matter what the economic conditions were.

    MirakRajBanda Thursday, 02 February 2023 12:41 PM

    ...and you still expect me to pay my (little) income tax? No way!!!!!!!

    Nihal Dharmatileke Thursday, 02 February 2023 12:41 PM

    Donor countries , IMF, ADB,WORLDBANK should question the SL government of these massive sums given these ex head of state. Mahinda and Gotabaye Rajapakse are the main culprits of Srilankas state of bankruptcy yet they are being allocated taxpayers money for a comfortable life while majority Srilankaens have become beggars.Shocking.

    Gamarala Thursday, 02 February 2023 12:55 PM

    Men with small minds get excited over insignificant amounts. What is few million rupees when the deficit is in trillions. You are barking at the wrong tree.

    Bandu Thursday, 02 February 2023 12:57 PM

    Upon leaving office, a former US president receives a taxable lifetime pension equal to the annual basic pay of a Cabinet Secretary. This amount is reviewed yearly by Congress, and as of 2021, it was set at $221, 400. Other extras include free postage for life and payroll for office staff. The pension becomes effective from noon on Inauguration day. In addition to the pension benefit, former Presidents receive seven months of transition expenses immediately after inauguration. These expenses help the former president transition to private life and pay for office space, communication, and costs involved in briefing the outgoing administration. If the President resigns from office before the end of their office term, they are entitled to an equivalent lifetime pension and other perks provided to other former presidents. However, if a President is impeached from office, they forfeit the annual pension and most of the benefits provided to former presidents by the Former Presidents Act.

    Know All Thursday, 02 February 2023 01:01 PM

    Rs.1,170,000 is ok but the extra other allowances - tax free - are far too much. Why vehicles and and allowances when he does nothing but pocket the funds. And what are the OTHER expenses - just pocket it.

    hb Thursday, 02 February 2023 01:32 PM

    tax money at work


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