The Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government states that 14 out of the 28 ministers who were given official residences have been handed over their houses so far.
With the appointment of Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the office of President, a government of the National People’s Power (Malimawa) was replaced by the previous government and it is reported that they are still living in houses that can be taken as official quarters belonging to that government.
According to reliable sources, the ministers who had not paid the water bills and electricity bills have delayed handing over the quarters because the government had informed them not to accept the quarters without paying the outstanding water bills and electricity bills of several crores of rupees.
However, legal action will be taken against the former ministers who continue to avoid the notification of the ministry.