The government is responsible not only for the security of former presidents but also for the public, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr.
Nalinda Jayatissa has emphasized in action to concerns raised in relation to the move by the present administration to get rid of the privileges of former Presidents and their member of the family.
Reacting to an inquiry made at todays (22) weekly Cabinet media instruction on whether the federal government would continue to make sure the security of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, he assured that essential actions will be taken based on intelligence and security reports.Meanwhile, the Cabinet Spokesman even more kept in mind that the government means to modify the Presidents Entitlements Act (No.
4 of 1986) which successfully reduces unique privileges reached former Presidents, their families, and retired Members of Parliament.He said that the Cabinet of Ministers has actually likewise given approval to the proposal to gazette the modification costs and take forward the process.During the rundown, a question was also raised relating to how the federal government would take obligation in the event the security of Mahinda Rajapaksa is compromised, and also how it plans to guarantee that a previous president can take part in diplomatic activities if the opportunities supplied are restricted.Minister Dr.
Nalinda Jayatissa stated, In this matter, nobody has been provided unique treatment.
A general choice was made concerning all previous presidents and their partners.
The government has a responsibility not only towards previous presidents but likewise to ensure the safety of all citizens.
This is a subject that is routinely discussed at the National Security Council (NSC).
Intelligence and security reports are taken into account.
Our decisions are based upon a thorough evaluation of such reports relating to the security of previous Presidents.
Additionally, there is a court judgment pertaining to the security of the former president.
Taking all of this into account we are carrying out this.Back in 1986, when the government led by President J.R.
Jayewardene prepared this bill, it must have thought about the security of retiring presidents.
That is likely why the bill includes provisions for real estate and other centers if a house is not provided.
We now mean to rescind that expense and present new legislation, taking all these aspects into account, Cabinet Spokesman Dr.
Nalinda Jayatissa added.