The Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday approved two measures aimed at overhauling Sri Lanka’s housing sector: a revision of the National Housing Policy last updated in 2019, and the appointment of an expert committee to review stalled National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) projects.
The policy revision, presented by the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, is intended to address contemporary challenges in human settlements through sustainable solutions. It falls under the government’s housing framework “A Comfortable Home – A Healthy Life,” within the broader policy statement “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”
Cabinet said particular attention would be given to ensuring adequate and quality housing and infrastructure for low-income communities. A committee of experts in housing, construction and urban development will carry out the revision, taking into account emerging global trends in human settlements.
In a separate resolution, Cabinet approved the appointment of an expert committee to examine the current status of stalled NHDA housing projects and to recommend measures to resolve the difficulties facing them. The panel is expected to propose solutions to revive projects that have been blocked by financing, contractor or design issues.
The review lands at a moment when the housing portfolio is also absorbing post-Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction demands. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s task force has already been pressing for faster housing compensation payments and a year-end deadline on reconstruction, while President Dissanayake has set a May-end target for compensation disbursements.
