News Today: Discover how underutilized government mansions will be repurposed for economic growth in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan government plans to repurpose underutilized mansions and bungalows allocated to MPs for economically beneficial purposes. The Cabinet has approved a proposal to appoint a committee to strategize the usage of these properties, including Visumpaya in Colombo 2 and various Presidential mansions in Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and more. Many of these properties, currently under the authority of the Ministry of Public Administration or the President’s Office, incur significant maintenance costs despite limited use.

The initiative focuses on turning these high-maintenance assets into revenue-generating opportunities. For instance, the Visumpaya bungalow, previously a residence for state leaders, is under the Urban Development Authority, while the Prime Minister’s official residence in Nuwara Eliya is managed by the PM’s office. The committee will create sustainable strategies to optimize these properties, enhancing their economic value while preserving their historical significance.