Sri Lanka has embarked on an ambitious effort to address the long-standing housing crisis among families displaced by decades of civil conflict, with the launch of the National Housing Program 2026. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated the program at a public meeting in Chavakachcheri, Jaffna, pledging the construction of 31,218 new houses nationwide, including 2,500 homes specifically for the resettlement of war-affected families in the North and East.
Speaking at the Weerasinghe Primary School grounds, the President emphasized that restoring homes to displaced families is a top priority for his administration. “It is not fair for a family to live without a house of their own for a long time. Within our term, we will resolve the housing issue of all people displaced by the war,” he declared. Dissanayake described the program, titled ‘A Place of Our Own – A Beautiful Life,’ as a cornerstone of broader development efforts to uplift the Northern Province and rebuild trust between communities.
The President highlighted the strategic potential of the Jaffna district, noting its scenic coastline and cultural attractions. Plans are underway to renovate Palaly Airport and commence work on the Kankesanthurai Port, with $60 million in financial assistance pledged by the Indian government. These projects are intended to spur tourism, create jobs, and support regional economic development, he explained.
Reinforcing a commitment to national unity, Dissanayake addressed ongoing concerns over communal tensions and racism, stressing that the government will not allow divisions to resurface anywhere in the country. “Even today, attempts are made to incite communal conflicts, whether around archaeological sites or religious landmarks. I assure you, no communalism will be allowed again, in the North, South, East, or anywhere else,” he said. He urged citizens to join the government in building a society free of conflict, where children can grow up in harmony.
The President also outlined plans to support livelihoods, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and small and medium-sized industries, and emphasized education as a central pillar of development. He noted that his administration has allocated the largest share of this year’s budget to improving access to education and economic opportunities, highlighting the link between housing security and broader social stability.
Acknowledging the long-lasting scars of the civil war, Dissanayake reflected on the costs of past conflicts, which left families homeless, disrupted communities, and damaged the economy. He framed the housing initiative as a critical step toward healing and reconciliation, bridging divides, and fostering inclusive development. The program will be complemented by the construction of sports facilities, including a large stadium and an indoor arena in Jaffna, aimed at providing safe recreational spaces for children and communities.
The National Housing Program 2026 represents one of the most significant post-war reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka, combining housing, infrastructure, tourism, and social cohesion into a comprehensive development agenda. By addressing displacement, boosting regional economies, and promoting national unity, the government aims to transform war-affected areas into thriving, resilient communities and signal a new chapter of progress for the country.
