TISL expresses concern over costly decision on President's entitlements after term ends

Anti-corruption body Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has expressed concern regarding the cabinet’s costly decision with regards to President Maithripala Sirisena's entitlements after his period in office.

Recently, cabinet had granted approval for the President to occupy his official residence at Mahagama Sekara Mawatha even after his term in office, a move TISL said could cost the government Rs 360 million over a 20-year period.

"TISL is firmly of the stance that decisions pertaining to such entitlements should only be taken at such time that the sitting President ceases to hold office," the anti-corruption body said in a statement.

It pointed out that the Supreme Court, in 2005, had issued a verdict to this effect during former President Chandrika Kumaratunga's rule.

TISL observed that the recent decision taken during the run-up to the presidential election "raises several red flags on electoral integrity and potential corruption under the Bribery Act".

Meanwhile, the public can file complaints on the misuse of state resources with TISL on their hotline 076-322-3442 or by e-mail on pppr@tisrilanka.org 

Related story

President receives cabinet nod to use official residence after tenure ends