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Saturday, 1 February 2014 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The discussion was held at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Conventional Centre (SLECC) in Colombo in order to educate and create awareness among the people of the benefits of the urban housing scheme for slum dwellers in Colombo.
The project is focused on providing better living conditions for the low income families living in slums and make Colombo a show case city in the region.
The project was started in 2011 after a research conducted in 2010 found that there is an urgent need of 68,000 houses for low income families in Colombo and its suburbs. Under the first phase nearly 15,000 houses are being constructed. The first of this mega project, the 500 unit ‘Mihindusen Pura’ housing scheme in Demetagoda was ceremonially vested with the public on 18 November, last year by the President.
The Rs. 7 million housing unit has a floor area of 400 square feet and comprises of a living room, two bed rooms, kitchen, sanitary facilities and other amenities. Initially a house owner has to pay Rs. 50,000 and the rest in monthly instalments of Rs. 3,950 payable over 20 years. The maximum amount each beneficiary has to pay under this scheme will be just Rs. 1 million.
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary Defence said that no one is forcibly removed from their present locations and the people have the liberty to make their own decisions. Those who are willing will be provided with new houses. Speaking further he said that he had initiated the project under a personal debenture. He reiterated that any number of families living in a single house can apply for a new house.
He also said that at present the people in ‘Mihindu Senpura’ are living happily with the facilities provided and in near future a sports ground will also be provided for them.
Speaking further Secretary Rajapaksa explained in detail on matters of concern and cleared doubts raised by the people present. He ensured them a better living condition in the new locations.
Chairman of the Urban Development Authority Nimal Perera, Project Coordinating Officer Brigadier Ranjith Samarasinghe, Brigadier Samantha Jayasundra, officials of the State Engineering Corporation, officials of the UDA and a large number people from the two areas were present at the occasion.
