The government is forging ahead with strategic plans to transform the iconic Presidential House and state-owned ministerial residences into commercial ventures and public utility spaces, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya confirmed in Parliament Yesterday(22).
Addressing the House, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the administration’s strict policy against occupying high-profile state residences. To safeguard these valuable heritage assets from decay during the transition, a dedicated maintenance framework has been deployed to keep the properties in top condition while commercial conversion strategies are finalized.
According to Amarasuriya, a specialized Cabinet-appointed committee recommended repurposing the prime real estate to generate public revenue and serve civic functions. Some former ministerial bungalows have already been handed over to the Ministry of Justice, where court sittings are currently underway to help clear trial backlogs and enhance judicial efficiency.
Dismissing viral social media claims alleging that current Cabinet members are living in luxury official bungalows, the Prime Minister clarified that zero ministers reside in state residences, with several choosing instead to stay at the standard MPs’ housing complex in Madiwela.
“Our government is systematically fulfilling its promises to the public. I urge lawmakers not to rely on unverified social media rumors when raising issues on the floor of this House,” Amarasuriya stated.
