Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has stated that several benefits, including pensions, granted to former presidents cannot be reduced in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Minister Wijepala said that the committee appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to look into the possibility of curtailing benefits of former heads of state has handed over its report.
Accordingly, the committee has observed that benefits, including pensions, granted to former presidents cannot be cut or abolished without a constitutional amendment.
However, Minister Wijepala noted that there is no constitutional impediment to cutting the pensions of members of parliament.
He also said that President Dissanayake has promised to provide another residence in place of the 30,000 square feet mansion occupied by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
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