Pictures of an ‘underground palace’ constructed at the Presidential House in Fort during the former government's tenure have been released, raising further questions on the conduct of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's government.

The construction of the said underground palace reportedly began during the war but ended after the war was over. The explanation given was that it was being constructed as a security measure.

According to reports, the four story palace, with two underground storeys, and each story around 3,000 sq. feet in extent, had an electrical elevator and a 24-hour automatic air-conditioning system.

Building of a tunnel to link it towards the port had been abandoned halfway.

However, reports suggest that former President seldom visited the 'palace'. It was regularly used by his sons, especially the two elder sons, the reports further said.