Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has vacated his state-provided residence in the prime Colombo 07 area. He moved out on Thursday afternoon following the repeal of a law granting lifetime housing and perks to ex-presidents.
Mr. Rajapaksa and his wife, Shiranthi, departed the premises around 1:15 p.m., as crowds gathered outside to watch them move. Earlier in the day, several politicians and diplomats had visited him at the residence.
The handover follows the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Act, passed in Parliament on Wednesday by 151 votes to one. The legislation abolishes housing, allowances, and other benefits previously afforded to former presidents and their spouses.
A spokesperson for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna said Rajapaksa will relocate to his private home, Carlton House, in Hambantota. Experts have said that former leaders Maithripala Sirisena and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga will also be required to return state residences.
