Prime Minister Vests 5,000 New Houses in the Public, Emphasizes Community-Driven Housing
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government’s objective is to empower citizens to build their own dignified homes through active community participation, with the state acting as a facilitator and guide rather than merely providing aid.
She made these remarks while attending the World Habitat Day 2026 commemoration ceremony organized by the Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply today (October 05) at Temple Trees. Held under the theme “Shelter for All – According to Need,” the event coincided with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) initiative.
Marking the occasion, the Prime Minister symbolically vested the 5,000th house in the public, distributed property land deeds, launched the Habitat Satisfaction Index (HSI), and presented awards to the winners of World Habitat Day competitions across essay writing, art, dance, and short film categories.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted that a home represents a fundamental human right, dignity, and security rather than a mere physical structure. She highlighted that the government is departing from traditional aid models to introduce policy reforms grounded in nine core principles for sustainable housing.
To measure public satisfaction regarding quality of living, water supply, sanitation, safety, and public amenities across all 25 districts, the government introduced the Habitat Satisfaction Index (HSI). Additionally, the Prime Minister announced plans for the “Best Habitat” Presidential Award, the “Green Habitat Challenge” under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, and the launch of the “One Million Trees for Human Settlements” program.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply Dr. Susil Ranasinghe stated that the government aims to complete 30,000 houses under the housing project initiated in 2026. He emphasized that ongoing government-supported housing projects will be completed without interruption and will include essential community infrastructure such as schools and healthcare facilities.
The event was attended by the Mahasangha, Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Kalutara District MP A.M.P. Dhanushka Ranganath, Secretary to the Prime Minister G. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta, as well as representatives from UN-Habitat, the High Commission of India, state officials, and beneficiaries.
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