The government embarks on a novel programme of providing houses to those in need through easy payment plans based on household income.
This housing programme will be implanted in accordance with the national economic policy of the new adminuisrtaion, official sources said.
Land for housing will be provided at reasonable prices for construction companies.
The price of land, especially in Colombo is unbearable preventing housing fcailties of their own for many.
Housing costs are also higher due to protectionist import tariffs on construction material such as aluminium, steel and ceramics, Finance Ministry official said.
Special housing projects will be initiated islandwide under a public-private partnership program, while housing schemes will be set up in rural agriculture areas where land for housing is limited, he added.
Housing will be provided for those who are serving or have served in armed forces and war widows, police officers, displaced persons and those living in shanties.
Banks and private institutions providing loans exclusively for housing will be merged into a Housing Bank, which will provide low interest loans.
(LI)