World Habitat Day to be celebrated on October 5 under the theme “A Safe Home for All”

Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. H.M. Susil Ranasinghe said all arrangements have been made to celebrate World Habitat Day on October 5 under the theme “A Safe Home for All,” with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the chief guest.

Dr. Ranasinghe made the remarks at a special media briefing held today (30) at the Department of Government Information. He said a Habitat Week will also be conducted islandwide in conjunction with World Habitat Day celebrations.

As part of the programme, 5,000 houses constructed with government assistance will be handed over to the public on World Habitat Day, he said. The government aims to construct 30,000 houses by December 31, with the objective of providing a safe home for every person. Priority will be given to low-income families in the allocation of these houses.

The minister said community participation will be obtained for the construction of the houses. The government has provided plans for houses of approximately 550 square feet, ensuring that beneficiaries receive fully completed homes.

Houses will also be provided to families who lost their homes due to the war in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, with the government allocating Rs. 2 million per house. Under the Yathiwara Mapiya Programme, Rs. 1.5 million will be allocated for each house, while Rs. 2 million will be provided for safe houses constructed for institutionalized children. Families who have completely lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah will receive Rs. 5 million per family.

The minister also said the government has allocated Rs. 500 million for housing loans for public sector employees, with the government bearing four percentage points of the applicable interest rate. Migrant workers will be able to obtain housing loans of up to Rs. 10 million at an interest rate of 15%, with part of the interest to be subsidized by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

He said the selection of low-income beneficiaries will not be based on political affiliations. Applicants can provide their information to the Housing Officer at their respective Divisional Secretariat.