Sri Lanka to Build Thousands of Temporary Homes

COLOMBO (News 1st); A major relief initiative is underway as the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) announces a programme to construct temporary shelters for estate-sector families whose homes were damaged or destroyed in recent disasters. 

NHDA Chairman Aravinda Sirinath said the temporary housing programme will be implemented over the next few months, bridging the gap until the government commences its long-term permanent housing scheme.

A comprehensive field assessment was conducted yesterday across four locations in the Medadumbara Divisional Secretariat area — Aguruwella, Waithalawa, Thangappuwa, and Aluthwatta. 

Officials collected public opinions, housing needs, and community proposals to shape the temporary shelter programme.

Residents living around the estates have been severely impacted, with many losing everything. 

Entire clusters of plantation line-houses have been damaged beyond repair, forcing families — including children and the elderly — to survive under makeshift coverings as weather conditions continue to worsen.

“There are about 6,000 houses completely destroyed. Around 110,000 houses are partially damaged. Many of those living in partially damaged homes cannot return because the areas are still unsafe.”

He added that, based on recommendations from the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), people living in geologically unsafe zones must also be relocated.

“We must provide solutions for those in unsafe areas as well. When we consider all these factors, we are working to resolve this crisis urgently. We expect to construct these temporary houses within the next two to three months, as the first immediate step.”