Sri Lanka, Sept. 13 -- Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti says that abolition of privileges and special rights for former presidents is a promise that the government made to people.

He said there is no reason for anyone to be surprised by the move.

Speaking to the media, Minister Handunnetti stated that the National People's Power (NPP) made this a clear election promise and that people should have only been alarmed if the government had not carried it out.

He added that if former presidents were aware of the election manifesto, they should have vacated their official residences sooner.

He described the policy statement not just as an election manifesto but as a 'contract with the people' to develop...