By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
Addressing a media briefing at the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Party headquarters today (27), its leader, lawyer Udaya Gammanpila, emphasized that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake cannot abolish pensions for former presidents under the current constitutional framework.
He pointed out that abolishing these pensions was a key promise in the National People’s Power (NPP) election manifesto. However, Gammanpila suggested that the manifesto’s preparation lacked input from individuals well-versed in constitutional law.
He elaborated further:
“Abolishing the pensions of former presidents was a promise by Anura Dissanayake and the leadership of the Compass government, as stated in their policy statement. So why is this topic not being discussed now? Forgotten? No, it hasn’t been forgotten—it has had to be forgotten.
Why? According to Article 36(2) of our Constitution, the pensions of former presidents currently receiving them cannot be revoked. President Anura can only abolish pensions for future presidents. Let us read the relevant section of the Constitution:
‘When a person assumes the office of President, that person shall be entitled to receive such salaries and allowances as determined by Parliament and thereafter to receive such pensions as determined. Any subsequent amendment, repeal, or replacement of this Constitution or any inconsistent law enacted thereafter shall not have retrospective effect.’
This isn’t my claim—it is the declaration of the Supreme Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who pledged to uphold the Constitution, cannot abolish pensions for former presidents already receiving them.
Even if the Constitution is amended or a new law contradicting this article is introduced, it will only apply to the future. Therefore, the current administration lacks the legal ability to revoke pensions already granted to former presidents.”
