The Presidential Privileges (Abolition) Bill was passed in Parliament with over 150 votes. Only opposition MP Samar Sampath Dissanayake voted against it, while Independent MP Ramanathan Archuna voted in favour.

 

The debate took place on September 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Afterward, Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Ratnayake called for a vote.

 

When the quorum bell rang, opposition MPs walked out, except for Samar Sampath Dissanayake of the New Democratic Front and Independent MP for Jaffna District Ramanathan Archuna, who remained.

 

In the electronic vote that followed, 151 voted in favour, and 1 against. Archuna voted with the government in support, while Dissanayake voted against. Thus, the bill passed with a majority of 150 votes.

 

The bill, gazetted on 31 July 2025, was prepared under the instructions of the Ministry of Justice and National Unity, to repeal the Presidential Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986.

 

Accordingly, under repealed provisions:

• Any residence or allowances provided to former presidents or their widows will cease.

• Monthly allowances for secretarial staff, official vehicles, and other facilities will be stopped.

• Pensions paid to widows of former presidents will be discontinued.