A cabinet sub-committee will be set up in Sri Lanka to review the privileges given to former presidents , and any further action will follow its recommendations, according to the Presidential Secretariat .
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake 's office denied reports on Friday that the security detail for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had been reduced.
This statement came after concerns were raised by former presidents about the possible reduction of their privileges under the new government.
During the lead-up to the September 21 election, Dissanayake had promised to end all ex-presidential privileges, saying they were a burden on taxpayers.
The Sri Lankan government has recently faced criticism over reports suggesting a cut in Rajapaksa’s personal security.
"The Presidential Secretariat has noted recent media reports claiming that the security of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been reduced," the statement read, adding that these reports are false.
Opposition leaders criticized Dissanayake, saying he would be responsible for any security lapses affecting Rajapaksa, who they believe remains at risk from LTTE separatists because of his role in ending their long-standing military campaign.
At an election rally, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe also opposed the government’s efforts to reduce privileges for ex-presidents.
Sri Lanka has six living former presidents or widows who receive privileges under the 1986 Presidential Privileges Act.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake 's office denied reports on Friday that the security detail for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had been reduced.
This statement came after concerns were raised by former presidents about the possible reduction of their privileges under the new government.
During the lead-up to the September 21 election, Dissanayake had promised to end all ex-presidential privileges, saying they were a burden on taxpayers.
The Sri Lankan government has recently faced criticism over reports suggesting a cut in Rajapaksa’s personal security.
"The Presidential Secretariat has noted recent media reports claiming that the security of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been reduced," the statement read, adding that these reports are false.
Opposition leaders criticized Dissanayake, saying he would be responsible for any security lapses affecting Rajapaksa, who they believe remains at risk from LTTE separatists because of his role in ending their long-standing military campaign.
At an election rally, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe also opposed the government’s efforts to reduce privileges for ex-presidents.
Sri Lanka has six living former presidents or widows who receive privileges under the 1986 Presidential Privileges Act.
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