MP Dilith Jayaweera says abolishing former presidential privileges is aimed at belittling Mahinda Rajapaksa, calling him a war hero who should be celebrated. While criticizing the Rajapaksa family’s greed, he challenges the government to reveal the exact amount the public will gain from this move.
Colombo – Sarvajana Balaya Leader and Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera has accused the government of using the abolition of former presidential privileges to demean former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a man he described as a national hero for his role in ending the war.
Speaking at a festive occasion, Jayaweera said that despite his own criticisms of the Rajapaksa family’s greed, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s wartime leadership makes him a figure who should be idolized. He alleged that the government’s underlying motive is to symbolically bring down the stature of “your hero” in the public eye.
“The main purpose here is not cost-cutting; it’s to belittle Mahinda Rajapaksa, who led the war,” Jayaweera said. “If the government insists this is about financial benefit, they must be transparent and present to the country the accurate figure of how much money will actually be saved and returned to the people.”
Jayaweera’s remarks have reignited debate over how Sri Lanka treats its former leaders and whether the removal of certain privileges is a fiscal necessity or a political move. His statement also touches on the ongoing tension between defending wartime leadership legacies and addressing issues of political accountability.
