Houses given on rent for 76 MPs who lost their homes to unrest

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka's housing minister Prasanna Ranatunga told Parliament that 76 MPs who lost their houses and property to arson following the unrest that broke out since May have been given temporary housing at the Viyathpura Housing Scheme in Kalalgoda.

He told Parliament that these houses were given for a period of one year, with a monthly rental charged from the occupant MP. 

"Not a single MP was given a house free of charge," he told the house in response to a claim made by an opposition lawmaker.

The Minister said the complex comprises 106 houses for MPs, and 76 of them have been given on rent to MPs, and if any other MP has a requirement a vacant house can be provided on rent.

He also said that these houses can be purchased by MPs as well to be used as their permanent residences.