Colombo, Sri Lanka – Several government ministries and state institutions have submitted requests to the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Labour, seeking to operate their offices from ministerial official residences in Colombo. These requests come from approximately ten ministries and institutions currently leasing private office spaces.
The officials have cited the rising costs of renting private buildings as one of the main reasons for the move. They argue that repurposing ministerial bungalows could lead to significant savings for the state and optimize the use of available government properties.
However, the government has not yet made a final decision regarding these requests. The proposal is currently under consideration, as authorities weigh the practicality and implications of reallocating ministerial residences for office use.
Sri Lanka has a total of thirty-five official residences designated for ministers, which were previously held by former ministers and have since been returned to the government. These properties are located in prime areas of Colombo, making them potentially valuable assets for government operations.
While some ministries see the repurposing of these residences as a cost-effective solution, others remain cautious, considering the need to preserve the integrity of ministerial properties and the possible impact on future housing needs for government officials.
The Ministry of Public Administration is expected to engage in further discussions to assess the feasibility and appropriateness of reallocating these residences. Meanwhile, the final decision will depend on various factors, including financial implications, legal considerations, and the broader impact on government functions.
The move is being closely watched as it could set a precedent for how state-owned properties are utilized, especially in light of the ongoing economic challenges faced by the country.
