President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has handed over permanent homes to 50 families affected by the 2023 landslide in the Kabaragala-Poonagala area, while pledging greater recognition of the rights and living conditions of Sri Lanka's Malayagam community.
The Navodhayagama housing project in Poonagala, Bandarawela, was officially handed over on 28 August 2026.
The Sri Lanka Army says the project provides permanent homes to 50 families who lost their houses in the 2023 landslide.
The project was implemented under the Ministry responsible for plantation and community infrastructure, with the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Engineer Services contributing to construction.
Rights and dignity
Speaking at the ceremony, President Dissanayake said members of the Malayagam community are equal citizens of Sri Lanka and should enjoy their full rights and dignity.
He said the Government had accepted responsibility for improving living conditions in areas including housing, land rights, education, health and income opportunities.
These statements represent Government commitments. Measures that have not yet been implemented should not be presented as completed reforms.
Future plantation agreements
The President also said future agreements involving plantation companies are expected to include provisions intended to protect the rights of estate communities, including access to land.
The details and legal effect of such provisions will depend on the agreements ultimately adopted.
The housing handover, however, is an implemented measure: the 50 beneficiary families have received permanent housing through the project.
Key facts
- Project: Navodhayagama housing project
- Location: Poonagala, Bandarawela
- Beneficiary families: 50
- Disaster: 2023 Kabaragala-Poonagala landslide
- Handover date: 28 August 2026