Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated in Parliament on 22 July that the key political policy of the current Government is not to use the Presidential Residence or the official bungalows previously allocated to Cabinet Ministers.
The Prime Minister stated that, although these buildings are not being used as official residences, the Government is maintaining them to prevent deterioration and has launched a special programme to repurpose them for the benefit of the public.
The Prime Minister further noted that, in line with the recommendations of the special committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers, steps are already underway to utilize the Presidential Residence and all such properties for commercial activities or other public purposes.
The Prime Minister also stated that judicial proceedings have already commenced in some of these former official bungalows, contributing to a more efficient administration of the country’s judicial system.
Rejecting claims circulating on social media that Ministers are residing in official residences or bungalows, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized that no member of the current Cabinet is living in official residences. She clarified that while some Ministers are residing at the Madiwela Members’ Housing Complex, none are occupying official ministerial bungalows.
Reaffirming that the Government is delivering on the promises made to the people as planned, the Prime Minister stressed that it is inappropriate to raise questions in Parliament based solely on false information circulating on social media.
Prime Minister’s Media Division