The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to lease five President’s Houses to suitable investors on a long-term basis for tourism development projects, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced.
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing yesterday (28), Dr. Jayatissa said several official presidential residences across the country have traditionally been maintained for official functions and personal recreation. However, he noted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake does not use these properties for such purposes.
He said the residences, which possess significant architectural and economic value and are equipped with extensive facilities and landscaped surroundings, continue to incur substantial maintenance, security and operational costs under the Presidential Secretariat.
According to the Minister, the decision was made after considering the recommendations of a committee appointed to identify economically productive uses for Presidential bungalows, residences and palaces.
The Cabinet subsequently approved the proposal submitted by President Dissanayake to invite proposals from suitable investors to develop the properties for tourism-related projects.
Under the decision, the President’s Houses located in Bentota, Kataragama, Mahiyanganaya, Embilipitiya and Anuradhapura will be offered on long-term lease for tourism sector investments.