Politics

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced plans to build between 20,000 and 25,000 new houses as part of the rebuilding efforts after Cyclone Ditwah caused significant destruction. He shared this information today (09) during the launch of a project that gives Rs. 5 million to those who lost their homes in the recent cyclone. The event took place in Galnewa-Handungama, Anuradhapura, with President Dissanayake in attendance. While speaking to the crowd, he noted that around 6,000 homes have been completely destroyed, and about 17,000 to 18,000 homes are either partially damaged or uninhabitable. A final assessment report is still pending, but plans are in place to build around 20,000 to 25,000 houses. The President also mentioned that the 2026 Budget has set aside funds for constructing an additional 31,000 houses. He explained that under the government’s housing initiative, 10,000 homes will be built by selecting beneficiaries from local villages. Additionally, there are plans to construct 2,500 homes for individuals who are still living in camps after the war ended in 2009, with about Rs. 20 million allocated for this effort. Proposals have also been made to build houses for communities in the hill country, with support from India and the government. “Our goal is to give fully rebuilt homes to those who lost everything in the disaster. We want to help them create a better life than they had before. Therefore, we will provide Rs. 5 million for each house. An initial Rs. 2 million will be given, and once the house is finished, the remaining Rs. 1.5 million will be released to complete the work. We will ensure that there are no delays in providing funds so that the houses can be built quickly. These houses should be completed within two to three months, and we will offer all the necessary financial help,” he stated. President Dissanayake added, “For the homes that were partially damaged, even though they were not completely destroyed, they still need repairs. We have decided to give Rs. 500,000 to each affected household.”