President Dissanayake delivers housing to Malayagam community

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has officially handed over the ‘Navodayapuram’ housing project to 50 families in Poonagala, Kabaragala. These families lost their homes in a 2023 landslide and had been living in unsafe conditions for approximately three and a half years.

The housing project, constructed with assistance from the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Engineers, provides 550-square-foot homes on 10-perch plots. Each house includes two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, costing approximately Rs. 3.2 million. Beneficiaries also received essential household items and furniture valued at around Rs. 175,000.

During the ceremony, President Dissanayake emphasized that the Malayagam community are equal citizens who deserve full rights and dignity. He pledged that the government would prioritize housing, land rights, education, health, and income opportunities for the community. He also noted that future agreements with plantation companies would include provisions to safeguard their rights.

Additionally, the President announced plans to introduce legislation to establish a Central Highlands Protection Authority to preserve the region, and mentioned efforts to facilitate the return of Sri Lankans currently living in India.