Sri Lanka launches Rs. 2 million housing aid for those leaving institutional care

The Sri Lankan government has introduced the ‘Diviyata Saviyak’ housing assistance programme to support individuals transitioning out of institutional care. Under the initiative, eligible beneficiaries can receive up to Rs. 2 million to establish permanent housing. The funds may be used to purchase land, build a new home, renovate existing structures, or complete partially constructed houses.

Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj stated that the programme specifically targets young people reaching age 18 who lack family support or permanent accommodation. This includes orphans, abandoned children, and those placed in institutions through court proceedings or criminal processes. The assistance will also extend to vulnerable low-income families.

The first phase of the programme is scheduled to launch on September 17 at the Presidential Secretariat, overseen by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Implementation is being managed by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and the Department of Probation and Child Care Services using funds from the 2026 Budget. Beneficiaries will be selected based on assessments of their living conditions and family backgrounds conducted by Divisional Secretariats and Provincial Commissioners of Probation.