What is going to be done to the official residences of the Cabinet Ministers

It is reported that no steps have yet been taken to utilize the government bungalows belonging to the colonial era, which were used as official residences for cabinet ministers during past governments, for commercially productive activities. The government has not yet acted to convert these properties into valuable commercial ventures as promised before the 2024 presidential election, and it has been revealed that they remain unused.

During the presidential election campaign held on September 21, 2024, the National People's Power (NPP) pledged that these bungalows would not be allocated for ministers appointed under their administration. Although they stated that these premises would be productively used for commercial purposes instead, the government has so far failed to establish commercial entities in any other bungalow, except for allocating the official residence where former President Mahinda Rajapaksa resided as a court hall.

According to the newly introduced Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Act, all these official residences, including those vacated by former presidents, have now been taken over by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government. Against this backdrop, the Presidential Secretariat has commenced exploring various methods through which these properties can be effectively utilized.

Commenting on this matter, Minister Chandana Abeyratne stated that the Presidential Secretariat would decide on the future course of action regarding these properties. Although various parties and institutions have submitted requests for these bungalows for their use, the Minister further mentioned that the final and decisive steps regarding their future would be taken by the Presidential Secretariat.