The Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply has drawn attention to allocating provisions from the 2027 Budget to complete houses left unfinished across the country.

Minister Susil Ranasinghe told Parliament’s Advisory Committee that action will be taken based on recommendations from a five‑member panel co‑chaired by two former Ministry Secretaries. 

The committee has already begun gathering data on stalled housing projects, identifying those in usable condition, and preparing proposals for next steps.

According to the Minister, nearly 5,000 housing projects started under previous governments remain incomplete due to loans and aid funds not being fully disbursed. Final decisions on these projects will be made once the committee submits its recommendations.

Ranasinghe added that assistance will be provided next year to families needing completion of partially built houses, with around 2,000 families expected to benefit.

Members of Parliament at the meeting also raised housing and water supply issues in their constituencies. 

The Ministry agreed to convene a special session with all stakeholders to discuss housing challenges, including projects for low‑income families in the Colombo District. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved a comprehensive program to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, aimed at restoring livelihoods and strengthening resilience in the hardest‑hit districts.

The initiative, proposed by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, focuses on immediate relief and long‑term recovery measures.

Key measures approved:

• Monthly rent support for displaced families without homes is extended from 6 months to 9 months.
• Paddy fields damaged by debris (stones, soil, sand) are to be cleared and prepared for cultivation, based on estimates approved by district agricultural officials.
• Rockfall and landslide‑prone sites are to be stabilized under the Ministry of Defence’s Landslide Mitigation Program, following recommendations of the National Building Research Organization.
• Financial provisions for relief and reconstruction to be allocated directly by the Treasury from disaster relief funds. (Newswire)

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The government has decided to launch two major relief programs to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah; an interim housing project for displaced families and a reconstruction program for damaged religious sites.

Under the first initiative, an interim housing construction project will be implemented for 1,000 families who lost their homes in the cyclone and are currently living in safe centres, tents, and partly damaged houses across four districts. Official data show that the cyclone destroyed 6,088 houses and partially damaged more than 115,000. As of 22 April 2026, 494 families remained in 20 safe centres in Kegalle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla, while others continued to reside in temporary shelters and damaged homes.

Authorities had earlier introduced a monthly rental allowance of Rs. 25,000 for families who lost their homes due to landslides and floods, but securing rental houses in the affected areas has proven difficult. 

To address this, the Cabinet approved a proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Defence, to construct interim housing units based on plans prepared by the National Building Research Organization, with the labour contribution of the Sri Lanka Army. The project aims to provide stable living conditions until permanent housing solutions are completed.

In addition, the government has decided to rebuild and repair religious sites damaged by Cyclone Ditwah to ensure worship activities can resume without disruption. 

The Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, together with the Department of Religious Affairs, has planned a coordinated effort to restore temples, churches, and other places of worship affected by the disaster.

Under the Cabinet‑approved proposal, religious sites that were completely destroyed will be rebuilt at their original locations, with priority given to constructing monks’ residences, Dharma halls, main temples, churches, sanitary facilities, and essential water and electricity infrastructure. 

Relief up to Rs. 7.5 million will be provided for such construction. For religious sites partially damaged, up to Rs. 5 million will be allocated for repairs, while minor damages will also be addressed through restoration work. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to ensure that the Government-approved compensation of Rs. 500,000 for houses partially damaged by Cyclone Ditwah is paid to all beneficiaries before the end of May, except in exceptional circumstances. 

The President instructed officials during a progress review meeting held today (22) at the Presidential Secretariat, which focused on compensation payments and the provision of new housing for residents whose homes were partially or fully damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

According to the President’s Office, extensive discussions were also held on relocating those still living in camps to temporary housing until permanent homes are provided. 

The President instructed officials to identify suitable locations and to take the necessary steps to complete this process at the earliest. 

Attention was also given to relocating families residing in high-risk areas to safer locations. 

In addition, focus was placed on plans to construct housing complexes for residents who have not opted to receive compensation to purchase or build a new house. (Newswire)

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A retired Brigadier of the Sri Lanka Army, serving as Project Director of the Urban Development Authority’s Colombo Urban Regeneration Project, was arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on charges of misallocation of housing units.

According to the Bribery Commission, 22 apartments at the “Sirisanda Sevana” housing complex, constructed under a Cabinet‑approved initiative to uplift the living standards of low‑income residents in Colombo, were allocated in 2014 to individuals who did not meet eligibility requirements. 

The allocations were made outside the common policy framework, despite approval by the Authority’s Board of Directors.

The suspect was taken into custody around 12:31 pm on Thursday (19) and later produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, after which he was released on bail. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has discussed the progress of disaster relief provided to the public affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with officials stating that approximately Rs. 24.4 billion has so far been released under various relief measures announced for those affected. 

While the majority of allowances for house cleaning, purchase of household items, and assistance for schoolchildren have already been distributed, officials explained that delays in housing reconstruction and rental assistance payments have occurred due to processes such as damage assessments and land identification. Officials further clarified the verification procedures and accountability mechanisms in place. Committee members highlighted the difficulties faced by those expecting relief payments and stressed that housing assistance in particular should be expedited.

Officials of the National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF) also explained their financial position and the reinsurance claims the Fund is required to settle following claims submitted by general insurance companies after Cyclone Ditwah. The estimated reinsurance claims payable by NITF currently amount to approximately Rs. 11 billion. Although NITF has not reinsured its risk exposure with an international reinsurer since 2023, officials stated that it has the capacity to settle the existing claims.

It was revealed that the Treasury maintains a significant cash buffer to meet the Government’s daily expenditure requirements, with approximately Rs. 750 billion available by the end of 2025. Due to payments made in December, the cash buffer had declined to this level, leading to increased issuance of Treasury bills from late December to mid-January, which in turn raised interest costs during that period. However, the situation has now stabilized. It was also noted that as the return earned from investing the cash buffer is approximately 2–3 per cent lower than the Government’s annual interest cost, maintaining such reserves entails an opportunity cost.

Attention was also drawn to the progress of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), which has been in operation for 14 months. It was observed that 90 percent of total staff recruitment has been completed. Officials have been provided with specialized local and international training to enhance professional capacity.

Although the Central Bank’s auction system is currently used for public debt management activities, steps are being taken to establish an independent system within the PDMO to enable full operational autonomy in the future.

The Committee observed that Sri Lanka’s total domestic debt stock amounts to Rs. 31 trillion, comprising Rs. 15.6 trillion in Treasury bills and Rs. 15.4 trillion in Treasury bonds. The average cost of this total debt is reported at 8.73 percent.

It was further noted that Sri Lanka’s total external debt servicing requirement for 2026 is projected at USD 2,504 million. Expected foreign inflows for that year amount to USD 2,100 million, including USD 858 million in project loans, USD 150 million in World Bank budget support, USD 380 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and USD 800 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Accordingly, a resource management gap exceeding USD 400 million remains to be addressed for 2026 debt servicing.

The matters were discussed when the Committee on Public Finance met in Parliament last week (17 Feb) under the chairmanship of MP Harsha de Silva, with the participation of Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe and Nishantha Jayaweera and MPs Ravi Karunanayake, Ajith Alahakoon, M.K.M. Aslam, Chitral Fernando, Wijesiri Basnayake, Sunil Rajapaksha, Nimal Palihena, Thilina Samarakoon and Champika Hettiarachchi. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (16 Jan) launched the 2026 National Housing Programme, “A Place to Belong – A Beautiful Life”, at the Weerasingham Primary School grounds in Meesalai, Chavakachcheri. 

The programme will benefit 31,218 families nationwide, including 2,500 war-displaced families from the North and East. Under the first phase, Rs. 2 million will be provided per house for 800 war-displaced families in the Jaffna District, with cheques of Rs. 300,000 each presented by Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, and Members of Parliament.

Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake emphasised that although attempts are being made to incite racial tensions around heritage or religious sites, there will be no space for racism in the North, South, East, or any part of the country. He stressed that the housing issues of all those displaced by the war will be resolved during his term of office.

The President further noted that the Government is implementing a programme to bring broad development to the Northern Province and improve living standards. Highlighting Jaffna’s potential for tourism with its coastline and attractions, he announced plans to renovate Palaly Airport and expedite operations at the Kankesanthurai Port, with the Government of India agreeing to provide USD 60 million in assistance for the project.

President Dissanayake said that for the first time a government trusted by the people of Jaffna has been created, pledging that this trust will not be betrayed. He called on all citizens to join in building a conflict-free, harmonious country for future generations by healing broken hearts and removing suspicion and mistrust.

President’s full statement:

A large number of houses were damaged during the war. However, despite the prolonged time frame, those houses have not been fully rebuilt. I know that the people living in Jaffna District were displaced during the war. They remain displaced even after the war. It is not just for families to live for a long time without a home or a place of their own. Therefore, we will resolve the housing problems of all those displaced by the war, during our term. 

I know that the people in these areas contributed to bringing this government to power with great hope and expectation. For a long time, what happened in these provinces was the emergence of views opposed to and in disagreement with, the existing government. That is not wrong. If a government nurtures racism, if a government steals people‟s property, if a government thinks only about itself and not about the general public, it is inevitable that the people and the government will grow apart. Those are governments against the people, governments that create conflict, governments built only for their own families. But today, for the first time in Sri Lanka, a government of the common people of this country has been formed.

I know that during elections, especially among the people in the North, there may have been some hesitation, uncertainty and doubt about us. Even though you voted to bring us to power, you may have done so with some suspicion. Now, a little over a year has passed since we formed the government. Do you still have doubts? Today, for the first time, a government that you in Jaffna can trust has been created in this country. Let me tell you one thing: first and foremost, we must improve the lives of people who are struggling. As a government, we will do everything possible to achieve that. 

We will work to provide a home for those who do not have one. Children must receive a good education. For this we have allocated the largest share of funds in this year‟s budget. We must create proper sources of income. Agriculture, the coconut industry, fisheries and small-scale industries in particular have become the main livelihoods of people in these areas. The aim of our government is to provide the necessary support to all these sectors and raise people‟s living standards to a higher level. We are a government that works for that purpose. 

There were conflicts for a long time. None of us benefited from them. What did those conflicts leave us with? Families who lost their homes, children who lost their mothers and fathers, an economy that completely collapsed, relatives and friends who were lost. People in both the North and the South became victims of this war. Behind all this destruction lay politics, the quest for power. Sinhala people were incited to gain power; Tamil people were incited to gain power. Such was the nature of that racist politics.

Even today, in different places, attempts are being made to ignite these racist tensions, sometimes around heritage sites, sometimes around religious places. I will give you one guarantee: I assure you that in our country, whether in the North, South, East or any other region and whether against Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims, we will not allow racism in any form. 

We want a country where everyone lives together in brotherhood and harmony. We also want a good economy and a life filled with enjoyment and happiness. We have planned to build a large sports stadium in Jaffna, and we will complete its construction rapidly within this year. We must create opportunities for children to play and to experience joy and recreation. We also planned to build an indoor stadium in Jaffna town, but some politicians themselves went to court and filed a case. That indoor stadium is needed by the children of Jaffna, yet politicians are taking legal action. That means they are engaging in politics against the people. We plan to conclude that case as soon as possible and complete construction of that indoor stadium in a nearby location within this year. 

At the same time, a significant economic leap is currently taking place in Sri Lanka centred on tourism. Jaffna District has a very beautiful coastline and many attractive sites, yet it still lacks a strong tourism industry. We plan to address the shortcomings at Palaly Airport and renovate it. We will begin work at the Kankesanthurai Port very soon, and the Government of India has agreed to provide assistance of USD 60 million for this purpose. We want to establish a highly developed tourism industry in Jaffna District and we have already prepared plans for that. 

For many of the parents and brothers and sisters present here, this may be the first time in your lives that you are attending a meeting with ministers, president and ministry secretaries. We must mend these broken hearts and eliminate suspicion and mistrust. Our generation fought wars and created conflicts; we must build a country free from conflict, a country where people live in harmony, for the generation of our children. I invite all of you to join together for that purpose.” (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says 2026 will mark the year in which the highest number of houses are built with state assistance in Sri Lanka’s history.

He explained that approximately 20,000–25,000 new houses will be constructed for those affected by disasters, and together with the 31,000 houses already planned under the Housing Development Authority, a total of 50,000–55,000 houses will be built this year.

The President made these remarks at the launch of PROJECT 5M under Rebuilding Sri Lanka, held in Alubadda village, Malbeligala, in the Galnewa Divisional Secretariat of Anuradhapura District today (09 Jan). 

Under the first phase of the programme to rebuild homes lost in Cyclone Ditwah, families whose houses were completely destroyed and certified for reconstruction at the same location will receive new homes. 

Accordingly, compensation and construction work began for 26 such houses in Galnewa, Palagala, Palugaswewa, Ipalogama, and Thirappane divisions of Anuradhapura District, under the President’s leadership.

The President pointed out that never before in Sri Lanka’s history have leaders intervened to provide such large compensation, and emphasized that the present government has resolved to stand by the people and ensure they enjoy a higher standard of living than before.

He further noted that to provide a good quality of life, people need decent income, good education for children, healthy lives, proper housing, and mental well-being, and stressed that the government is committed to fulfilling these five essentials.

“Therefore, for the first time in history, we have presented a major plan to rebuild disaster‑affected areas. Rs. 500 billion has been allocated for recovery in 2026, with Rs. 72 billion already allocated in December 2025. We must stand by the people and rebuild the economy. Compensation is being paid for crop losses, including amounts never before given to farmers. Relief is also being provided to those in the livestock and industries. Data is being collected from other affected sectors. This government has resolved to stand by the people,” the President said, addressing the event. 

President Dissanayake further said the government has focused particularly on housing. 

“Reports show about 6,000 houses were completely destroyed, and another 17,000–18,000 are uninhabitable. Thus, about 20,000–25,000 new houses will be built. Additionally, Rs. 31,000 houses have been allocated in the 2026 budget. Under the Housing Development Authority, 10,000 houses are planned for those unable to rebuild. Sixteen years after the end of the war, some people still live in displacement camps. Rs. 2 billion has been allocated to build 2,500 houses for them. Under Indian assistance, houses will also be built for plantation workers. Altogether, 31,000 houses were planned, and now, with the disaster response, another 20,000–25,000 will be added. These homes will be built to provide people with a better life than before,” he added. 

Full statement of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake:

About three years ago, our country was forced to endure an extremely devastating economic crisis. Fuel and gas shortages brought the entire nation to the brink of economic collapse. We all know that this collapse was not caused by a natural disaster. Instead, it was the result of economic policies pursued for decades by successive rulers, coupled with the concentration of national wealth in the hands of a very small group, at the expense of the wider public.

Although the Treasury accumulated large sums of money, those resources were confined to a privileged few. It was for these reasons that the national economy collapsed. As a direct consequence, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, the people took to the streets and drove out leaders who once wielded unquestioned power.

After we came together to form a government, our first and most urgent challenge was to stabilise the country’s collapsing economy. We have been largely successful in achieving that objective. We must build a country where our children will not have to endure the hardships experienced by our parents. We cannot allow the suffering of one generation to be passed on to the next. Therefore, our responsibility at this moment is to create a country in which our children can live with dignity and opportunity.

Much of a country’s overall well-being depends on the strength of its economy. When an economy is strong, many other aspects of national life improve. Equally, when an economy collapses, crime, fraud and corruption increase and the rule of law weakens. That is why strengthening the economy is the most critical priority. Accordingly, we have worked steadily and systematically to rebuild Sri Lanka’s economy. By 2025, Sri Lanka achieved record highs across all major economic indicators. It marked the year with the highest government revenue, the lowest budget deficit since 1977, the highest export earnings, the largest remittance inflows from overseas Sri Lankans and the greatest number of tourist arrivals in the country’s history.

It was at a time when the economy was just beginning to recover that we were confronted with this natural disaster. While we cannot fully control natural calamities, we had to establish an economy strong enough to withstand their impact. This challenge, however, came at a moment when the economy was already on the rise. A World Bank survey had already highlighted that the damage to infrastructure alone amounted to USD 4.1 billion.

This posed a severe blow to the recovering economy. Yet, the government had no right to abandon those affected by the disaster or tell them to simply wait. As a government, we introduced a comprehensive recovery plan, the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka’s history, to rebuild the areas hit by the disaster. For the year 2026 alone, LKR 500 billion was allocated for disaster recovery, while LKR 72 billion was set aside in December 2025. We were committed to protecting the people and reviving the economy. Compensation was provided for crop losses and previously unclaimed subsidies were distributed to farmers. Relief was also extended to individuals engaged in livestock management and various industries. We continued to gather data on other affected areas to expand assistance. We were a government determined to prioritize the people. Nowhere in Sri Lanka’s history had rulers intervened in such large-scale relief efforts with this level of public focus. We carried out these efforts to ensure that the people were truly supported.

We have focused significant attention on the housing issue. Reports indicate that approximately 6,000 homes were completely destroyed, while an additional 17,000–18,000 homes, though not fully damaged, were deemed uninhabitable. Consequently, it will be necessary to construct an estimated 20,000–25,000 new homes to accommodate those affected.

In addition, the 2026 budget has allocated funds to construct another 31,000 homes. For those unable to build homes independently, the Housing Development Authority has planned an additional 10,000 homes under its ongoing projects. Moreover, even 16 years after the end of the war in 2009, there are still people living in camps without proper housing. To address this, the government has allocated LKR 2 million for a home to construct 2,500 homes for these families. Similarly, for the people in estate areas, the government is facilitating housing construction with assistance from India. It is in this context, while planning 31,000 new homes that the current disaster has made it necessary to construct additional 20,000–25,000 homes. Our goal is to provide housing that ensures a better quality of life for affected families. The allocated funds are being used specifically for this purpose and we urge the affected communities to cooperate so that construction can begin promptly.

We have several fundamental needs a decent income, quality education for our children, a healthy and fulfilling life, a good home and mental well-being. Without at least these five essentials, we cannot truly live as human beings. Therefore, the primary objective of our government is to ensure that these needs are met.

For a long time, no one has been satisfied with our country’s education system. It has been a burden for parents and a source of frustration for children. If the education system had been effective, we would have achieved far better outcomes. Educators have debated and analysed reforms to the system over extended periods and we have now implemented these new changes. However, some have begun spreading baseless criticisms and misinformation about these reforms. Our focus remains on providing children with quality education. We are committed to ensuring that even children growing up in poverty have access to a strong, effective education that equips them for the future.

Therefore, we must provide our children with internationally recognized, high-quality education. No matter the attempts to undermine these reforms, we are determined to implement them.

Today, we are launching this housing programme. We had originally planned to build 31,000 homes and with the current initiative, this number will increase to between 50,000 and 55,000. This will mark the highest number of homes constructed under government support in a single year in Sri Lanka’s history. Providing our citizens with quality housing is our foremost priority.

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance

The government has launched a programme to promptly provide compensation for fully and partially damaged homes, business premises and agricultural lands, ensuring the restoration of affected livelihoods. Today marks an important step in this initiative.

To clean and rehabilitate homes damaged by flooding, LKR. 25,000 have already been disbursed, along with an additional grant of LKR 50,000. Thanks to prudent financial management and funds retained in the Treasury, the government was able to act swiftly to provide this vital assistance to the public.

Mr. Ranjith Wimalasuriya, Divisional Secretary, Anuradhapura District

A total of LKR. 05 million will be allocated per household for reconstruction, disbursed in three installments. Today, the first installment of LKR. 02 million is being released, followed by the second and third installments of LKR. 1.5 million each. I urge beneficiaries to use these funds solely for their intended purpose. Strict oversight will ensure that the assistance achieves the expected results.

The event was attended by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Governor of the North Central Province, Wasantha Jinadasa, Members of Parliament Thilina Tharuka Samarakoon, Susanta Kumara Navaratne, P.B.N.K. Palihena and Bhagya Sri Herath, as well as local Divisional Secretaries, government officials and community members from the region. (Newswire)

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A group of employees from estates in the Kandapola area staged a protest march yesterday (Jan 05), calling on the government to provide safer housing. 

The protest was staged by around 200 employees from the Concordia and Eskdale estates in the Kandapola area, which was severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. 

Although authorities have informed them that they could return to their homes, the protesters argue that conditions remain unsafe. 

“Due to rain and winds, we cannot live there. They have sent half back to their homes, claiming that they have received assessment reports. How are we to return there, when there isn’t a proper road? They have said they will place a tree. How can we walk on that? We are living without peace. If they cannot do this, tell them to give us poison and kill us. Everyone turns up when it is the election. We have not received the Rs. 25,000 or Rs. 50,000 relief aid. We have not received anything. Now we are staying at a safety shelter at a temple. We are being fed. But, apart from this, we have not received any assistance from the government,” a protester said. 

The protesters have requested the government to heed their pleas and provide them with housing in safer locations. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s 2024 Population and Housing Census reveals that females continue to make up the majority of the country’s population, a trend first observed in 2001. 

Compared to the 2012 Census, the male population percentage has declined in both the Urban and Rural sectors, while a slight increase is recorded in the Estate sector. The Urban sector now reports the highest proportion of females.

Historically, males accounted for a larger share of the population, with the 1981 Census recording 51 per cent males. However, by 2001, women represented 50.2 per cent of the population in the 18 districts where enumeration was completed.

The national sex ratio—defined as the number of males per 100 females—has further declined from 93.8 in 2012 to 93.3 in 2024, indicating a continued female surplus. Age-specific data show that the ratio exceeds 100 among those aged 0–19 years, suggesting more males in younger groups. However, the ratio steadily decreases with age, reaching its lowest level of 69.8 among those aged 70 and above.

This decline in the sex ratio with age highlights a key demographic pattern: although more males are born, females tend to live longer. Higher male mortality rates and lower life expectancy contribute to a growing female majority in older age groups, a trend with implications for healthcare, social welfare, and population planning. (Newswire)

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The 2024 Census of Population and Housing reports that Sri Lanka’s population is 21.7 million, with 51.7% females and 48.3% males.

According to the Department of Census & Statistics, the census conducted in 2024 was the 15th Census of Population and Housing in the national census series, and was carried out from 07th October 2024 to the second week of February 2025.

In this census, the total population of Sri Lanka was reported as 21,781,800, of which 51.7 per cent were females and 48.3 per cent were males. In the urban sector, 51.9 per cent of the population is female, while 48.1 per cent is male. In the rural and estate rural sectors, the percentages of females are 51.7 per cent and 51.4 per cent, and the percentages of males are 48.3 per cent and 48.6 per cent, respectively. In the estate urban sector, the percentages of females and males are reported as 50.4 per cent and 49.6 per cent, respectively.

The sex ratio in Sri Lanka is 93.3. All districts show a sex ratio below 100. The highest sex ratio is reported from Monaragala district (97.9), while the lowest sex ratio in the country is recorded in Batticaloa district (88.0). 

The population under 15 years of age in the country decreased by 4.5 percentage units, from 25.2 per cent to 20.7 per cent, during the census period from 2012 to 2024. Further, the population aged 65 and above increased from 7.9 per cent to 12.6 per cent, and shows an increase of 4.7 percentage points during this period.

In 2024, the population aged 15-64 accounted for 66.7 per cent of the total population, compared to 66.9 per cent in 2012. Accordingly, the percentage of the population aged 15–64 showed a decrease of 0.2 percentage points during the census period from 2012 to 2024

The population under the age of fifteen and those aged sixty-five and above are considered dependents. The dependency ratio, which was calculated as 49.4 per cent according to the 2012 census, has increased to 49.8 per cent in 2024. The highest dependency ratio is reported in the Matara district of the Southern Province (55.0 per cent), while the lowest dependency ratio is reported in the Colombo district of the Western Province (43.0 per cent). 

The total migrant population reported in the census was 3,167,263. Among the migrant population, 40.6 per cent had migrated primarily due to marriage.

Full report: https://www.statistics.gov.lk//Resource/en/Population/CPH_2024/Population_Preliminary_Report.pdf (Newswire)

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By Dhananath Fernando

The past week’s talk has been about curtailing housing facilities and other perks for former presidents. Many Sri Lankans are rightly interested in where former leaders live. But here is the real question: why are millions of ordinary Sri Lankans struggling to build their own homes?

Housing is a basic human need. Yet in Sri Lanka, it is not only the poor but even the middle class who fight an uphill battle.

Look around any neighborhood: countless homes remain unfinished. The ground floor is barely complete, steel rods jut out of columns waiting for a first floor that never comes. Walls stand unplastered, kitchens are bare, and curtains are unaffordable. For many families, building a house is a lifelong project, and they often finish only when they are close to retirement.

A few years ago, Advocata research showed just how bad the situation was. Sri Lanka’s housing affordability is among the worst in the world, worse than New York, Tokyo, or London. We rank only behind Shanghai. In simple terms, compared to how much we earn, our housing costs are higher than in some of the richest cities on earth.

Even lifetime savings don’t take us far. A Sri Lankan in the 70th income percentile can only afford a 500 sq ft house. To buy a modest 1,000 sq ft house, you need to be in the top 20% of earners.

Why is housing so expensive? The answer is simple: construction materials are outrageously costly because of sky-high import tariffs. Wall tiles, floor tiles, cement, steel, bathroom fittings, you name it, are all slapped with layers of taxes: CESS, PAL, Customs duty, VAT. Sometimes these add up to over 100%.

Some argue tariffs don’t matter since Sri Lankan companies make many of these products locally. But if that’s true, why do we need tariffs at all?

The reality is that imported materials are often 50–75% cheaper than local products. Once tariffs block competition, local manufacturers raise their prices too. And when tariff rates cross 70% or 100%, imports stop coming in entirely. So the Government doesn’t earn much revenue either; most Customs income actually comes from vehicle imports, not construction materials.

Take the numbers: cement in Sri Lanka costs about 120% more than in China. Steel is 48% more expensive than in Singapore. Tariffs on tiles and bathware are above 70%.

This is not just about houses. High construction costs spill into the whole economy.

Every industry needs buildings and energy. When our costs are higher than the region, our businesses become uncompetitive. Since most construction is financed through bank loans — often at interest rates around 12% — these inflated costs also bleed into debt burdens for families and companies alike.

The Government itself pays the price. Each year, capital expenditure is a major budget item, and inflated costs mean taxpayers get less value for every rupee spent. The tourism sector suffers too. Hotels are expected to renovate every five to seven years, but when construction is so costly, they either delay upgrades or pass the expense onto visitors, hurting competitiveness.

And look at our negative list in trade deals. Most construction materials are excluded, meaning they will stay protected even under free trade agreements. That says a lot about who benefits from keeping costs high.

For small and medium-sized enterprises, the story is even worse. Expanding a workshop, building a new facility, or even basic repairs all become nearly impossible when construction costs are inflated and when credit is tight.

If the Government is serious about helping industries, boosting competitiveness, and giving relief to the middle class, it must bring down the cost of construction. And that means cutting tariffs.

It’s time we cared as much about the housing struggles of ordinary Sri Lankans as we do about the houses of former presidents.

Originally appeared in the Morning newspaper. 

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Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe says the government is working to resolve the housing issue in Sri Lanka within the next 05 to 10 years.

Minister Samarasinghe said that financial loans will be provided for government employees to build a new house or renovate their houses. 

He further said that only suitable candidates will be selected through a proper system, unlike during the previous administrations. 

“The former government spent 520 million just for housing publicity campaigns alone. This is also the public’s money,” he said. 

The minister revealed that, however, the current government is providing aid for 140 people, over 100 persons will get financial loans with low interest rates, and over 80 state employees are being provided Rs. 01 million in loans,” he said.

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe made the remarks while participating in the programme to provide housing aid in Anuradhapura yesterday (03). (Newswire)

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday inaugurated 729 newly built houses, constructed for Rs 38.76 crore, in Sri Lankan Tamils’ rehabilitation camps across five districts of the state, via video conference from the Secretariat.

According to Indian Media, DT Next, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management KKSSR Ramachandran and Chief Secretary N Muruganandam were present on the occasion.

As per the announcement made in the State Assembly under Rule 110 in August 2021, to improve the living conditions of Sri Lankan Tamils residing in 67 camps across 26 districts, the Tamil Nadu government has undertaken several measures, including the construction of new houses and the repair and renovation of existing ones, according to an official statement.

The newly constructed houses are located in camps in Villupuram, Tiruppur, Salem, Dharmapuri and Virudhunagar districts.

Additionally, the government has initiated works to enhance basic amenities in the camps, such as roads, electricity lines and drinking water supply, for Rs 7.33 crore.

In the first phase of the rehabilitation programme, the government had issued an order to construct a total of 3,510 houses at Rs 180.34 cr in 35 camps. 

So far, a total of 2,781 houses have been constructed in 32 camps across 18 districts and handed over to the beneficiaries. (Newswire/ DT Next)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal to increase the financial aid given for a housing unit, under the housing program “A house for you – a tomorrow for the country”, to Rs. 01 million. 

According to the government, the housing program is being implemented to reduce the housing issue of low-income people and the poverty associated therewith. 

Under this program, one low-income family from every Grama Niladhari division is selected on a priority basis and offered aid for constructing/upgrading a house based on the progress of the construction. 

The selected beneficiary should construct a house with a minimum of 550 square feet, and in addition to the amount of Rs. 650,000 given by the government, the remaining amount has to be borne by the concerned beneficiary. 

Even though at the onset of the program, Rs. 1,147,000/- was the estimated cost per house, the respective cost has increased up to Rs. 1,764,000/- at present. 

As such, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing to increase the portion of the amount given by the government from Rs. 650,000 to Rs. 01 million.

It has been proposed to increase the financial aid as the beneficiary selected has been unable to bear the remaining amount due to their poor economic condition. (Newswire)

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The official quarters for married STF officers were declared open in the Kalapaluwawa area in the Western Province today. 

The housing complex was declared open under the patronage of Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Ravi Seneviratne, and Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya.

According to the Police, 36 fully equipped houses have been built at a cost of Rs. 460 million. (Newswire)

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Minister Nalinda Jayathissa in Parliament revealed a list of 43 former government members who received compensation for property loss and damage during the 2022 Aragalaya unrest.

According to the minister, former government members collectively claimed Rs. 1.224 billion in compensation.

“The maximum amount of compensation for property loss or damage is Rs. 2.5 million even in the event of complete property loss during a natural disaster,” Minister Jayathissa said, adding that it is unlikely that victims receive this amount.

Jayathissa alleged that former government members exploited power to secure excessive compensation beyond the usual limits.

The full list of former government members who claimed compensation: 

1.⁠ ⁠Kapila Nuwan Athukorale – Rs. 504,000
2.⁠ ⁠Wimalaweera Dissanayake – Rs. 550,000
3.⁠ ⁠Geetha Kumarasinghe – Rs. 972,000
4.⁠ ⁠Janaka Thissa Kuttiarachchi – Rs. 1.143 million
5.⁠ ⁠Gunapala Rathnasekara – Rs. 1.41278 million
6.⁠ ⁠Premnath C. Dolawatta – Rs. 2.3 million
7.⁠ ⁠Priyankara Jayarathna – Rs. 2.348 million
8.⁠ ⁠Sampath Athukorale – Rs. 2.54061 million
9.⁠ ⁠Jayantha Ketagoda – Rs. 2.8148 million
10.⁠ ⁠Wimal Weerawansa – Rs. 2.954 million
11.⁠ ⁠Prof. Channa Jayasumana – Rs. 3.334 million
12.⁠ ⁠Akila Ellawala – Rs. 3.55425 million
13.⁠ ⁠Chamal Rajapaksa – Rs. 6.539374 million
14.⁠ ⁠Chandima Weerakkody – Rs. 6.9488 million
15.⁠ ⁠Ashoka Priyantha – Rs. 7.295 million
16.⁠ ⁠Samanpriya Herath – Rs. 10.502 million
17.⁠ ⁠Janaka Bandara Tennekoon – Rs. 10.55 million
18.⁠ ⁠Rohitha Abegunawardana – Rs. 11.64 million
19.⁠ ⁠Dr. Seetha Arambepola – Rs. 13.78 million
20.⁠ ⁠Sahan Pradeep – Rs. 17.13 million
21.⁠ ⁠Shehan Semasinghe – Rs. 18.51 million
22.⁠ ⁠Indika Anuruddha – Rs. 19.55 million
23.⁠ ⁠Milan Jayathilaka – Rs. 22.3 million
24.⁠ ⁠Dr. Ramesh Pathirana – Rs. 28.1 million
25.⁠ ⁠Duminda Dissanayake – Rs. 28.8 million
26.⁠ ⁠Kanaka Herath – Rs. 29.2 million
27.⁠ ⁠D. B. Herath – Rs. 32.1 million
28.⁠ ⁠Prasanna Ranaweera – Rs. 32.7 million
29.⁠ ⁠W. D. Weerasinghe – Rs. 37.2 million
30.⁠ ⁠Shantha Bandara – Rs. 39.1 million
31.⁠ ⁠S. M. Chandrasena – Rs. 43.8 million
32.⁠ ⁠Sanath Nishantha – Rs. 42.7 million
33.⁠ ⁠Siripala Gamlath – Rs. 50.9 million
34.⁠ ⁠Arundika Fernando – Rs. 55.2 million
35.⁠ ⁠Sumith Udukumburua – Rs. 55.9 million
36.⁠ ⁠Prasanna Ranatunga – Rs. 56.1 million
37.⁠ ⁠Kokila Gunawardana – Rs. 58.7 million
38.⁠ ⁠Mohan P. De Silva – Rs. 60.1 million
39.⁠ ⁠Nimal Lanza – Rs. 69.2 million
40.⁠ ⁠Ali Sabri Raheem – Rs. 70.9 million
41.⁠ ⁠Gamini Lokuge – Rs. 74.9 million
42.⁠ ⁠Johnston Fernando – Rs. 93.4 million
43.⁠ ⁠Keheliya Rambukwella – Rs. 95.9 million (Newswire)

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All former Parliamentarians have now returned their houses at the Madiwela Housing Complex for MPs. 

According to Parliament Secretary-General Kushani Rohanadeera, forty (40) newly elected MPs have been issued houses at the Madiwela Housing Complex.

Rohanadeera further said that twenty (20) former MPs re-elected to Parliament have been issued the houses previously allocated to them. 

Following a regime change, all former MPs were instructed by the new government to vacate the houses at the Madiwela Housing Complex. 

At the time it was reported that several former MPs had failed to return their houses, with some having left the country. 

The handing over of official residences at the Madiwela Housing Complex to new MPs commenced on 03 December 2024. (Newswire)

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35 MPs have already submitted requests for official residences at the Madiwela Housing Complex, Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera said.

Speaking to media, the Secretary-General that there will be no changes to the privileges currently granted to Members of Parliament.

Rohanadeera explained that 25-30 houses previously returned by former MPs are currently being renovated to provide residences for new MPs, adding that these official residences will be allocated based on priority.

Out of a total 108 official residences, 80 are designated for members of the ruling party, while 28 are reserved for opposition members.

MPs whose homes are located more than 40 kilometers from the Parliament complex are eligible to request official residences at the Madiwela Housing Complex. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted for the construction of 1,996 housing units for low-income families in the Moratuwa, Kottawa, Dematagoda, Maharagama, and Peliyagoda areas under a Chinese Government aid program. 

The government states the construction of the houses is to be implemented under 3 packages and the bids for the project were called from 8 bidders that had been nominated by the Chinese Government, as per the project agreement.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Rural and Urban Development, and Housing, to award the contract as follows, based on the recommendation of the Technical Evaluation Committee and the Standing Procurement Committee appointed by the Cabinet. 

• Package 01 – to award the contract for the construction of 575 housing units at Moratuwa and 108 housing units at Kottawa to the M/S China Railway 25th Bureau Group Co. Ltd. 3 
• Package 02 – to award the contract for the construction of 586 housing units at Dematagoda and 112 housing units at Maharagama to the M/S China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd. 
• Package 03 – to award the contract for the construction of 615 housing units at Paliyagoda to the M/S Shanxi Construction Investment Group Co. Ltd. (Newswire/ File image)

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