Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored the importance of maintaining security privileges for former presidents, urging the government to prioritize their safety. Speaking at a rally in Matale, Wickremesinghe clarified that he has no need for such privileges himself but emphasized that other former presidents deserve protection.
“Presidential residences are being dismantled,” he noted. “I have no issue—I don’t live in one. But why target Chandrika? Let her stay there. If Mahinda Rajapaksa, who ended the war, requires security, consider that.”
Wickremesinghe went on to express that genuine security needs should be met for all those in need. “Take away all the privileges granted to me and give them to others,” he urged. “Salaries are set to increase—carry through with it. Everyone is behind you. All I ask is that this Parliament is safeguarded.”
