State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, Niroshan Perera alleged that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had 196 advisors and staff members during the previous regime.

Minister revealed this information while addressing the parliament today.

He further said 90 million rupees have been spent on these overhead expenses.

But the present president Maithripala Sirisena has only four advisors, he added.

Minister further noted that the President has six coordinating secretaries. Two other officers are also attached to the President’s personal division.

State Minister Niroshan Perera made these remarks replying to a question raised by Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila in Parliament today.