Sri Lanka Orders Former Presidents to Vacate Luxury Residences

Sri Lanka's new leftist government has ordered former presidents, including the Rajapaksa brothers, to vacate luxurious government bungalows as part of an austerity initiative. Information Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that these residences will be converted into boutique hotels or museums, and former leaders will receive a monthly rent allowance of $107 instead of government housing. Mahinda Rajapaksa currently occupies a property valued at $16,500 per month, significantly exceeding his official entitlement. The government will no longer provide housing for former leaders or their widows, with allowances capped at one-third of their pension. Jayatissa indicated that this public announcement serves as formal notice for the Rajapaksas to vacate immediately. Current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's administration aims to combat corruption and has already reduced security details for former leaders, saving taxpayers substantial funds.