Officials have been instructed to ensure that the housing project under which 4,700 houses are being built for the Malayagam community with Indian assistance is completed before the end of this year.
The directive was issued during a progress review meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat on June 24. The discussion was chaired by Chief of Staff to the President, Prabath Chandrakeerthi.
The housing programme is being implemented with financial assistance from the Government of India and is aimed at improving housing conditions for families living in the plantation sector.
According to the President’s Media Division, 2,026 houses under the programme have been allocated for families identified by the National Building Research Institute (NBRI) as living in disaster-risk areas.
The remaining houses are expected to be provided to eligible plantation workers residing in estates across the country.
Support for Vulnerable Families
The programme covers families living on estates managed by 22 Regional Plantation Companies, as well as estates belonging to the State Plantations Corporation, Janawasama and Elkaduwa Plantations.
The initiative is expected to improve housing security for thousands of families, many of whom continue to live in ageing line rooms and settlements vulnerable to landslides and other natural hazards.
Housing development has been identified as a priority area within broader efforts to improve living standards and social infrastructure in plantation communities.
India and Sri Lanka Share Project Costs
Under the programme, the Government of India has allocated Rs. 2.8 million for the construction of each house.
The Government of Sri Lanka is contributing an additional Rs. 400,000 per housing unit.
Based on the approved funding structure, the project represents a substantial investment in social infrastructure and community development within the plantation sector.
During the meeting, Prabath Chandrakeerthi instructed officials to release identified land for housing construction without delay. He also directed the National Building Research Institute to expedite the reports required to identify suitable land for the project.
The housing programme is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, the National Housing Development Authority, the State Engineering Corporation and the Plantation Human Development Trust.
Focus on Faster Implementation
The review meeting focused on addressing bottlenecks that could delay the completion of the project.
Officials discussed land availability, construction progress and coordination among institutions involved in implementation.
With a year-end deadline now emphasized, authorities are expected to accelerate construction activities to ensure eligible families receive their homes on schedule.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary (Development) of the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure K. S. Wijayakeerthi, Director General (Engineering) N. D. N. Pushpakumara, Director General (Planning) W. A. K. S. Damayanthi, the Secretary General of the Planters’ Association and representatives from relevant government agencies, plantation companies and implementing institutions.
Government Decisions Ministerial Update
Last modified: June 25, 2026
