Sevana Housing Project Under Probe: Only 367 Villages Opened Out of 2,562 Promised

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Finance Division of the National Housing Development Authority has released a report revealing significant discrepancies in the Sevana Model House Village Project, launched under the Good Governance Government (2015–2019).

According to the report, while 2,562 model villages were proposed, only 367 were officially declared open. Despite this, a staggering Rs. 523 million was spent on promotional activities. Additionally, Rs. 5.968 billion, allocated for housing beneficiaries, remains unpaid.

Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that a ministerial-level investigation is underway, alongside an audit, to examine the financial irregularities.

The report also notes that 25,453 beneficiaries received loans and 28,633 were granted aid, totaling 54,086 recipients.

When asked whether the billions in unpaid loans could be recovered, Dr. Jayatissa stated, “I cannot comment on that right now. The Ministry of Housing will work on it. Those funds must be recovered.”