The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to a proposal presented by the President to hand over several Presidential Palaces located across the country to suitable investors on a long-term lease basis. The initiative aims to call for proposals to implement investment projects within the tourism sector utilizing these properties.
Historically, several Presidential Palaces have been maintained in various parts of Sri Lanka for the official duties and personal leisure of the President. However, these residences are not being utilized for the duties of the current President. These properties possess exceptionally high architectural and historical value, coming fully equipped with comprehensive facilities and attractive landscaping.
Currently, these palaces are administered under the Presidential Secretariat. A significant amount of state funds must be allocated for their continuous maintenance, security, and other related expenses. In light of this financial burden, a special committee was appointed to introduce an appropriate methodology to ensure the economically productive utilization of government-owned bungalows, residences, and Presidential Palaces.
Taking the recommendations of this committee into consideration, the government has decided to open up these properties for commercial viability. Accordingly, proposals will be called to initiate tourism-based investment projects at the Presidential Palaces situated in Kankesanthurai, Kataragama, Mirissa, Nuwara Eliya, and Anuradhapura.
