Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa led the national World Habitat Day Celebrations at a ceremony held at the Soysapura Housing Scheme grounds in Moratuwa.  The event, which drew the participation of thousands from the busy suburb of Colombo, marked the launch of a stamp commemorating the day.

The President also ceremoniously vested with the public the newly constructed Soysapura Housing Scheme with 20 housing units and Sri Lanka’s first outdoor fitness training center.

The event marked the culmination of a week-long celebration which focused on this year’s global theme “Urban Mobility”. The different activities conducted reflected upon the country’s urban transport issues, and the promotion of alternative sustainable means of transport, such as cycling and walking. Youth engagement was canvassed through island wide essay, art and sports competitions.

The President emphasized: “An adequate dwelling with basic amenities for every family in Sri Lanka is our aim”. He added that the government is committed to providing basic services such as electricity, access to water, and health facilities to all citizens, and that the country has made rapid progress in the relevant sectors.

The World Habitat Day celebration in Sri Lanka was organized by Ministry of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities. Minister Wimal Weerawansa highlighted the government’s commitment to upgrading low income settlements within the Colombo city, and creating access to basic services.