MPs occupy official residences in Madiwela for nominal monthly rent of Rs.2,000

Despite assurances that full details pertaining to the question would be tabled in Parliament, the annexures—containing the names of MPs currently occupying the housing units and those residing elsewhere—were not made available 

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana 

It was revealed yesterday that approximately 111 Members of Parliament are residing in official housing units at the Madiwela housing scheme, paying a nominal monthly rent of just Rs. 2,000.  

This information was disclosed in a written response tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, in reply to an oral question raised by opposition MP Chaminda Wijesiri. According to the response, MPs are also required to pay a security deposit of Rs. 2,000, which is refundable upon vacating the premises, subject to the deduction of any outstanding dues.   

Eligibility for accommodation in the Madiwela housing scheme is limited to MPs whose private residences are located more than 40 kilometres from the Parliamentary complex. As of September 1st this year, only one new applicant has met the eligibility criteria.   

The Madiwela housing scheme comprises a total of 120 two-storey housing units, each covering approximately 900 square feet. Of these, 111 units are currently occupied by MPs. The remaining nine units are allocated for various administrative and support services, including a gymnasium, engineering office, repair office, coordinating office, police post, police quarters, and a firefighting unit. One unit is currently occupied by security personnel engaged in maintenance and repair work.   
Despite assurances that full details pertaining to the question would be tabled in Parliament, the annexures—containing the names of MPs currently occupying the housing units and those residing elsewhere—were not made available.