The Cabinet of Ministers has taken two key decisions to address Sri Lanka’s housing challenges, approving both the revision of the National Housing Policy and the appointment of an Expert Committee to review stalled housing projects. 

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a resolution presented by the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply to revise Sri Lanka’s National Housing Policy, last updated in 2019, in order to address contemporary challenges in human settlements through sustainable solutions.

The decision comes under the government’s housing policy framework “A Comfortable Home – A Healthy Life”, outlined in the broader policy statement “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.” 

According to the government, particular attention has been drawn to ensuring access to adequate and quality housing and infrastructure, especially for low‑income communities.

The revised policy will take into account all components of housing and human settlements, as well as emerging global trends in the sector. A committee comprising experts in housing, construction, and urban development will be appointed to carry out the revision process.

The Cabinet of Ministers has also approved a resolution presented by the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply to appoint an Expert Committee to examine the current status of housing projects initiated between 2015 and 2019 under the National Housing Development Authority.

During that period, 2,562 housing projects were planned, comprising 1,138 villages under housing aid schemes, 1,334 villages through housing loans, and 90 villages supported by the Government of India. A total of 64,407 housing units were envisaged. However, only 386 villages have been completed and opened, with just 10,532 housing units finished to date.

Officials estimate that an additional Rs. 11.26 billion will be required to complete the remaining housing units. The Cabinet noted that several factors have contributed to the slow progress of these projects.

The newly appointed Expert Committee will be tasked with identifying low‑income families with genuine housing needs, expediting the completion of stalled projects, ensuring resettlement of beneficiaries, and establishing a systematic mechanism for recovering housing loans granted. (Newswire)

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