THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE in cooperation with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is building 50,000 housing units for armed forces personnel. The project is phased over five years, with 10,000 houses to be completed each year. Already 1620 housing units are being built in Ipolagama, and are expected to be completed within six months. Stage two is expected to begin in Horowpathana. Each housing project also includes schools, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, and other facilities. These, along with new roads and other services will ensure that the surrounding region will also benefit from significant infrastructure development.