Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says the government’s objective is to empower communities to build their own homes, while providing the necessary guidance, facilities and support.
The Prime Minister made these remarks today (5) while attending the World Habitat Day 2026 commemoration held at Temple Trees under the theme “A Safer Home for All.” The event was organised by the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply in parallel with the United Nations World Habitat Day programme.
During the event, Prime Minister Amarasuriya inaugurated the 5,000th house completed under the government’s housing programme. She also participated in the presentation of deeds of ownership, launched the Habitat Satisfaction Index (HSI), and presented prizes and certificates to winners of essay, art, dance and short film competitions held to mark World Habitat Day.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said a home is not merely a structure built with bricks, cement and sand, but a fundamental human right and a source of dignity and security for families.
She said the government was moving away from the traditional approach of treating people solely as beneficiaries of housing assistance. Instead, the government aims to provide the necessary guidance and facilities while enabling communities to actively participate in building their own homes.
