January 19, Colombo (LNW): A major relief effort has been launched to support estate-sector families whose homes were damaged or destroyed in recent natural disasters, with the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) spearheading a temporary housing initiative.
NHDA Chairman Aravinda Sirinath stated that the programme is designed to provide immediate shelter over the coming months, offering relief until the government’s permanent housing scheme is rolled out.
A detailed assessment was carried out yesterday across four communities within the Medadumbara Divisional Secretariat — Aguruwella, Waithalawa, Thangappuwa, and Aluthwatta. Officials gathered residents’ feedback, evaluated housing needs, and considered local suggestions to shape the emergency housing plan.
Many families have been left destitute, with entire clusters of plantation line-houses rendered uninhabitable. Elderly residents, children, and other vulnerable groups have been forced to endure harsh conditions under makeshift coverings as weather conditions remain severe.
“There are roughly 6,000 homes that have been completely destroyed and around 110,000 that have sustained partial damage,” Mr Sirinath noted. “Many living in partially damaged houses cannot safely return, as the areas are still unstable.”
He added that, following guidance from the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), those residing in geologically high-risk zones will also need to be relocated.
“Providing immediate solutions for people in unsafe areas is a priority,” he said. “We aim to complete the construction of these temporary shelters within two to three months as the first crucial step in addressing this crisis.”
