The Prime Minister says what will be done to the mansions

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated in Parliament yesterday (23) that a special program will be implemented to no longer use the Presidential Palace and official bungalows reserved for former ministers as official residences, but instead to utilize them for the benefit of the public and the commercial sector. She emphasized that the current government's policy is not to provide these state properties for the private use of ministers.

The government plans to properly maintain these valuable properties, preventing them from falling into disrepair, and to maximize their productivity. Based on the recommendations of a special committee appointed by the Cabinet, initial steps have already been taken to utilize buildings, including the Presidential Palace, for commercial and public purposes. Specifically, several official bungalows previously used by former ministers have already been allocated for judicial activities and court hearings, which has significantly helped to enhance the efficiency of the country's judicial system.

The Prime Minister rejected false statements circulating on social media and confirmed that no member of the current Cabinet resides in these official bungalows. She pointed out that some ministers are currently staying in the Madiwela Members' Housing Complex and stated that the government is fulfilling its promises to the people to the letter. Therefore, she further requested members of parliament not to rely on unconfirmed information published on social media when raising matters in Parliament.