Former Provincial Councilor and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Gampaha Organiser Waruna Rajapaksa has revealed that a search is currently underway to secure a residential property in Colombo for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
According to Rajapaksa, the President is presently operating out of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) headquarters in Pelawatta, in addition to occasionally using the Presidential Secretariat.
However, due to growing concerns over security and practical issues, a decision has reportedly been made to identify a more suitable location for the head of state to reside.
In a video statement shared on his social media platforms, Rajapaksa noted that despite the President’s earlier pledge to avoid using the official Presidential residence or the Secretariat for personal accommodation, practical considerations have necessitated a shift in stance.
“President Dissanayake has said he would not live in the traditional residence allocated to the head of state, but given the risks and limitations, he is now searching for a more modest house in Colombo. This is a reasonable move, and as a head of state, he should be based somewhere appropriate for his title and responsibilities,” he said.
Rajapaksa emphasized that he holds no objection to the President relocating to a more secure and suitable residence, but offered mild criticism for the delay in making the decision.
“This should have been done much earlier. The security and dignity of the office of President must be preserved at all times,” he added.
The development comes amid ongoing public debate about transparency, cost-saving, and symbolic governance practices under the administration of President Dissanayake, who assumed office with pledges of simplicity and austerity.
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