600,000 Sri Lankans still without safe housing, Minister says

Around 600,000 individuals across Sri Lanka continue to live without access to safe, durable, or semi-permanent housing facilities, Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. Susil Ranasinghe announced during a ministerial briefing.

The Minister explained that the housing deficit remains most acute among low-income urban families, estate sector communities, and vulnerable populations in rural regions previously affected by natural disasters. Lack of title deeds and land allocation delays have also hindered community shelter programs.

Dr. Ranasinghe noted that the ministry is formulating an accelerated housing strategy in collaboration with local community organizations and international development partners. The government plans to roll out subsidised housing grants, land regularization programs, and basic amenity installations starting in the next fiscal year.