The Ministry of Finance has decided to appoint a Steering Committee to oversee the allocation of former ministerial bungalows for various development projects, according to a ministry spokesperson.Cabinet approval has reportedly been sought for the proposal.A total of 25 ministerial bungalows in Colombo, equipped with high-end facilities, have remained vacant since the change of government and are reportedly deteriorating due to prolonged disuse.

According to senior officials at the Ministry of Finance, plans are underway to allocate the properties for investment projects, embassy residences and other government offices.Under the proposal, 16 bungalows are expected to be assigned to economically productive investment projects aimed at generating employment, while the remaining nine are to be allocated for embassy residences and other official purposes.