The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has announced the resumption of eight previously stalled housing projects, with a renewed focus on transparency and accountability following widespread allegations of corruption in past developments.
According to UDA Director M.H.V.R. Kumara, construction will recommence immediately on two key apartment complexes in Narahenpita and Torrington, designed to provide 750 housing units for low-income families. These developments were halted midway due to funding and administrative issues but are now being revived under new oversight.
Additionally, the UDA has secured fresh investors to restart four middle-income housing projects—two in Peliyagoda, two in Orugodawatta—and another in Stadiumgama. A housing project in Anuradhapura, initially intended for middle-income earners and long neglected, is also set to resume construction.
While these projects are being brought back to life, the government is simultaneously conducting investigations into irregularities and suspected corruption within the urban development and housing sectors. Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, T.B. Sarath, emphasized that legal action will be taken against all those found guilty, including public officials.
“If the President, the Cabinet, and Members of Parliament are expected to serve the people with integrity, then so should every public servant. Everyone must work in the best interest of the citizens,” he said.
He confirmed that multiple investigations are ongoing into fraudulent practices and misappropriation of public funds, and anyone implicated will face legal consequences regardless of their status.
Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held on July 15, criticized the former United National Front-led Yahapalana Government for mismanaging funds during its 2015–2019 term. He claimed that although billions of rupees were allocated for housing development, only a fraction of the promised homes under the ‘Semata Sewana’ project had materialized.
“Out of 2,562 planned houses, only 367 were completed and handed over. Meanwhile, Rs. 523.6 million was spent solely on promotional campaigns,” Dr. Jayatissa said. He also disclosed that 25,543 people were granted housing loans, and 26,833 individuals received assistance to purchase homes under the scheme.
Ongoing audits and investigations are being carried out by the National Housing Development Authority and the National Audit Office to further probe these discrepancies.
The current administration, elected on a platform of good governance, has made tackling corruption a central priority. In recent months, several former ministers and government officials have been arrested or placed under investigation for financial misconduct and abuse of power, particularly in the housing and construction sectors.
With the recommencement of stalled housing projects and a parallel commitment to rooting out corruption, the government aims to restore public trust and ensure more equitable access to housing for Sri Lankans across income levels.
