Building lives not just homes
Sri Lanka has been internationally recognized for providing ‘homes’ and not just houses since the Million Houses Programme of the 1980s. Yet, during the three decades of war, many homes were destroyed in the northern and eastern areas of Sri Lanka.
‘Building, Owning and Belonging’ a book funded by The European Union (EU) in partnership with UN- Habitat and the Government of Sri Lanka was launched on August 9 at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Colombo. The book features projects assisting owner -driven housing reconstruction especially in conflict-affected areas including the lessons learned and good practices from the last 30 years till today.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Chanaka Thalpahewa, Head of Office, UN-Habitat Sri Lanka said, “In ancient Sri Lankan dwellings, ecological sustainability was achieved. Community spirit was much valued and as UN- Habitat we believe in building communities not just houses.”
Libuse Soukupova, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the EU stated, “The EU has always supported local communities in rehabilitation and assisted most vulnerable families who were displaced due to the war. In the past decade, the EU has successfully built 20,000 houses and hopes to carry the venture further.”
The project showcases the value of people building their own houses with the active contribution and effective use of local actors, technical assistance, funding and locally-sourced supply. The various EU grants to owner- driven housing reconstruction amount to EUR 65 million. Over 40,000 people including female-headed houses, people with disabilities, families with missing persons are largely benefited.
Editor and the author of the book, Jaime Royo-Olid, Programme Manager Infrastructure and Reconstruction noted, “this book has the contribution of more than 40 authors and about 400 practitioners’ work and the actual achievement is more than half a million people.”
Secretary of the Task Force for Northern and Eastern Development Velayuthan Sivagnanasothy, along with official delegates of local and international organizations attended the launch.