September 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka introduced a draft National Housing Policy for public discussion at a ceremony held in Colombo, on the 6th of September 2013. Sri Lankans will now have the opportunity to submit their views on the policy, before it’s finalized by the lawmakers.

The policy was presented by Sri Lanka’s focal Ministry for Housing, and is formulated in accordance with the National Development Policy Framework, ‘Mahinda Chinthana’. The document recognizes a compelling need for evaluating the housing development sector in relation to the socio-economic, cultural, environmental and technological challenges faced by the country.

According to Mr. Wimal Weerawanse, Hon. Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Engineering Services, who presided at the event, the policy aims to help those in need of shelter to obtain loans and to construct their houses with proper technical guidance. Speaking at the event Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Affairs, said that there is a substantial number of people without proper shelter or access to adequate sanitation facilities. Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena, Hon. Minister of Water Supply, pointed out that a Housing Policy has been a long standing need of the country.

The event also marked the launching of a website to promote public awareness and participatory dialogue via an online forum.  The official website and the forum can be reached at: http://www.housingpolicy.lk/
Direct Link to the Draft National Housing Policy: http://www.housingpolicy.lk/images/pdf/NHPE.pdf