President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has ordered to reduce the number of his staff to 250.

Under former President Maithripala Sirisemna, close to 2500 people were employed at the President's Office.

Sources close to the new President said Rajapaksa believed in "small but effective" teams.

They added that the reduced team would monitor and progress of multiple activities taking place across the country and keep the President informed.

Rajapaksa has also ordered to reduced his vehicle convoy and the number of security staff.