The Supreme Court has ruled that none of the provisions of the Presidential Privileges (Repeal) Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution and that the Bill may be passed by a simple majority in Parliament, 

 

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena informed the House.

 

He made this announcement during Parliament’s sitting on Sptember 9 under the Order of Business.

 

He further stated:

The Supreme Court’s determination on the Presidential Privileges (Repeal) Bill has been received. The Court has ruled that none of its provisions conflict with the Constitution. Accordingly, the Bill may be passed with a simple majority.

 

As the petitioner failed to comply with the mandatory requirements under Article 121(1) of the Constitution in invoking the Court’s jurisdiction, the Supreme Court dismissed SC/SD/29/2025 filed against the Bill.

 

The Bill to abolish privileges of former presidents was gazetted on 31 July 2025, under the instructions of the Ministry of Justice and National Unity.

 

The Bill seeks to repeal the Presidential Privileges Act No. 4 of 1986 and will be cited as the Presidential Privileges (Repeal) Act No. … of 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the “Repealed Act”).

Under its provisions, the following will cease:

• Any house or monthly allowance provided to former presidents or their widows under Section 2 of the Repealed Act;

• Monthly allowances, official vehicles, and other facilities provided for secretarial assistance under Section 3;

• Monthly allowances provided under Section 4.