Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara presented the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill to Parliament, seeking to revoke the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986, and abolish special benefits granted to former Presidents, their widows, and retired Members of Parliament.
The proposed legislation, published in the Gazette dated July 31, 2025, would end entitlements including official residences, monthly allowances, secretarial support, transport facilities, and pensions for former Presidents and their widows.
MP Dayasiri Jayasekara raised a procedural concern regarding the constitutionally mandated seven-day period between a bill’s gazetting and its inclusion on Parliament’s Order Paper.
“We have no opposition to this bill, but what you do must be done correctly to set the right precedent,” Jayasekara said.
According to Article 78 of the Constitution, a bill must be published in the Gazette at least seven days prior to its First Reading to allow for public scrutiny and potential legal objections.
In response, Minister Nanayakkara and Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake stated that the Gazette was issued on or before July 30, confirming that the requirement had been met. They said there was no procedural barrier to proceeding with the bill’s introduction. (Islandnews)
