October 18, Colombo (LNW): A long-delayed housing project, initially launched to assist 500 families displaced by the 2004 tsunami, will soon be handed over to its beneficiaries. The project, funded by the Saudi Arabian government in 2009, faced significant delays despite the houses being ready since 2011, following a court ruling that paused the distribution process.
The project, located in the Ampara district, includes 500 residential units along with essential infrastructure such as a school, supermarket complex, hospital, mosque, and other amenities.
During a recent discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Saudi Envoy Khalid Hamoud Alkahtani in Colombo, it was agreed to expedite the handover process to the families who have waited for years.
The houses were originally presented to then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2011 by the Saudi Envoy. However, the distribution was halted due to legal challenges. The Saudi Arabian Embassy has since been in continuous discussions with various Sri Lankan governments to resolve the issue.
A decision has now been made to proceed with the handover, marking a significant step towards fulfilling the long-standing promise of providing these homes to the tsunami-affected families. Saudi Arabia has expressed eagerness to see the beneficiaries receive their new homes at the earliest opportunity.
