Sri Lanka, Feb. 24 -- Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe stated that 31,000 houses are expected to be built through the collaboration of six ministries under the National Housing Programme.

He stated that approximately 25,000 of these units will be constructed through direct funds aimed at low-income families. The Minister stated that the programme targets families currently living in temporary or dilapidated structures, such as those made of mud or tin sheets.

The Minister stated this while addressing a special press briefing held at the Government Information Department yesterday (23).

During the briefing, the Minister added that a district-level initiative of providing the cheques of the first payme...