• 35 applications received from MPs so far for Madiwela housing complex units 

A total of 80 official residences will be allocated to Government Parliamentarians, while Opposition MP’s will receive 28 official residences, it is learnt.

There is an ongoing discussion about the privileges granted to MPs, such as official residences, vehicles, and allowances, as the incumbent National People's Power Government has pledged to review and reduce them.

When contacted by The Daily Morning to query about the allocation of official residences for newly-elected MPs, the Secretary-General of the Parliament, Kushani Rohanadheera said that nearly 35 applications had been received from MPs for official residences as of yesterday (28). "It was only last week that the former occupants left the official residences. They are now being renovated. We will be able to hand them over to the MPs by 2 December."

Commenting on the number of official residences that the Government and Opposition MPs are entitled to, she said: "There are a total of 108 official residences for MPs. They will be allocated to the Government and Opposition based on the ratio of their representation. Accordingly, 80 will be allocated for Government MPs, and the rest for Opposition MPs."

MPs who do not own a residence within 40 kilometres from Colombo are eligible to receive accommodation in the MPs housing complex in Madiwela, which, according to Rohanadheera, has 108 units.