<p>This article examines the urban public housing in Colombo against the advent of militarization of urban development in postwar Sri Lanka. It explores political and economic momentums that shaped public housing during the Rajapaksa (2009–2014) and Sirisena (2015–2019) regimes. Through a comprehensive scoping review of the literature and drawing on the theoretical framework of neoliberal developmentalism, this study investigates how these regimes emulated East Asian, particularly Singaporean, models to transform Colombo into a world-class, slum-free city. The paper examines how postwar political and economic ideals influenced public housing in Colombo, including the reasons behind extensive military involvement in urban development. It interrogates the nexus between postwar public housing in the urban regeneration project and authoritarian leadership. The findings analyse five critical themes: <i>neoliberal developmentalism</i>—<i>‘world-class and megapolis’, military urbanism, power concentration and authoritarianism, good governance, and low-income public housing program.</i> This study concludes that the military-assisted public housing in postwar Sri Lanka is a by-product of the investment-oriented speculative urban transformation, prioritizing standardized product delivery over residents’ well-being. The findings highlight ethical concerns about military involvement in civilian projects and suggest the need for inclusive, sustainable approaches to public housing. Policymakers and urban planners can use these insights to promote transparent governance and community participation, mitigating social discontent and achieving equitable development. Examining the political, economic, and urban planning dynamics in postwar Sri Lanka, this study reveals a unique phenomenon: military involvement in public housing, rarely seen in democratic societies, contributing to the global exchange of ideas and practices on housing and the built environment.</p>