Sri Lanka, Sept. 11 -- In a rare event of legislative work, a bill which was passed by Parliament was signed into Act the same day stripping former Presidents and their widows of facilities - residences, transport and secretariat allowances.

Pensions being paid to them will remain intact. However, the government is planning to scrap even pension in the enactment of the new Constitution in the future.

The government got the Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill passed in Parliament yesterday by a majority of 150 votes. The debate on the second reading of the Bill began at 11.30 am yesterday and was followed by a second reading vote at around 3.30 pm, with 151 votes in favour and 1 vote against.

This Bill, which was presented to Parliam...