AKD Questions Morality of Ex-Presidents' Privileges Amidst SL Bankruptcy

• President Anura Kumara Disanayake, during the 2026 Budget presentation, questioned the morality of his predecessors opposing the Government's move to cut some of their undue privileges. • He affirmed that the removal of privileges was done according to the "mandate of the people." • AKD contrasted Sri Lanka with other nations that grant privileges, stating that those countries "did not go bankrupt like us," emphasizing that Sri Lanka was made bankrupt. • The President highlighted severe national suffering as the core justification: • Millions of people go to bed without a single meal. • People suffer without means to buy medicine. • Children lack schools, and youth suffer without jobs. • He directly queried in Parliament whether, given the country's dire situation, it is moral for former presidents to continue enjoying extensive privileges.