Government Will Not Use Presidential Palace or Ministerial Residences for Officials, Says PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today that a key policy of the current government is to refrain from using the Presidential Palace and official residences allocated for ministers.

The Prime Minister said the government has launched a special programme to maintain and make use of these buildings for public benefit, even when they are not occupied, while preventing them from falling into disrepair.

She stated that steps are already being taken to identify commercial and other public uses for government-owned properties, including the Presidential Palace, based on recommendations made by a special committee appointed by the Cabinet.

Dr. Amarasuriya also noted that legal proceedings have commenced in some former official residences, allowing those locations to contribute to improving the efficiency of the country’s judicial system.

Rejecting claims circulating on social media that Cabinet ministers were occupying official residences and ministerial bungalows, the Prime Minister said none of the current ministers are residing in such facilities. She added that some ministers are staying only at the Madiwela MP Housing Complex.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government is fulfilling the commitments made to the public according to its stated plans and said Parliament should not be used to discuss issues based on misinformation circulating on social media.