Archive · 17 Aug 2025
Sri Lanka to Expand Trade, Abolish Presidential Benefits
Sri Lanka wants to make more money by trading with other countries.
They plan to sign deals to sell more things and get more money from other places.
The government also wants to change the rules so that former presidents and their families don't get special benefits.
This is part of a plan to spend less money and be more accountable.
The government wants to increase its apparel exports from $5 billion to $8 billion by 2030.
In 2024, over 1.1 billion rupees were spent on benefits for former Presidents.
This change is happening to help Sri Lanka save money.
Sri Lanka plans to sign more free trade agreements to boost exports.
The government aims to increase apparel exports from $5 billion to $8 billion by 2030.
The government plans to abolish special privileges for former Presidents and their widows.
The move is in line with the government’s policy to reduce state expenditure.
The state spent over Rs 1.1 billion on benefits for former Presidents in 2024.
- Who
- The Sri Lankan government.
- What
- Sri Lanka is expanding free trade agreements and ending benefits for former Presidents.
- When
- In 2024 and the coming years.
- Where
- Sri Lanka
- Why
- To boost exports, foreign exchange earnings and reduce state expenditure.
Government's Stance
Potential Criticisms
Financial Benefits
Government's Stance
Reduce state expenditure and promote accountability.
Potential Criticisms
Continue providing benefits.
- Apparel Exports (2024)
- $5 billion
- Apparel Exports (Target)
- $8 billion by 2030
- Presidents' Entitlements Bill
- Gazetted to repeal existing benefits
- Spending on former presidents in 2024
- Over Rs 1.1 billion ($3.7 million)