An "Uthuru Wasanthaya Housing Workshop" to create awareness among Technical Officers involved in construction of houses for displaced persons in Northern Province was held at Sevalanka Foundation Training Center in Vavuniya recently.

It was organized by the NHDA under the direction of the Chairman of the Steering Committee of Uthuru Wasanthaya National development Programme, Senior Presidential advisor and Parliamentarian Mr. Basil Rajapaksa and on the instructions of the Minister of Housing and Common Amenities Mrs. Ferial Ashraff. The District Secretary of Vavuniya had made all arrangements at provincial level to hold it. All Technical Officers of NHDA attached to District Offices in Vavuniya, Jaffna, Mannar districts as well as in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts too participated in this workshop.

The National "Guideline on construction of permanent houses under Uthuru Wasanthaya Housing Programme had been published parallel to this programme under which suitable sites will be selected for construction of houses and appropriate technology and low cost building materials will be fostered.

The General Manager of NHDA Mr. L. S. Palansuriya said that the NHDA commenced the programme a few weeks ago at project level in Pallimunai village in Mannar district. It will be completed in 100 days. The Authority expects to complete all construction work by 30th September with the participation of the beneficiaries.

District Secretary of Vavuniya Mr. M. Sivabalasundaram, Local Government Commissioner of Vavuniya Mr. S. Achchudan and Vavuniya District Manager of NHDA Mr. V. Ganeshanathan also spoke at the inaugural ceremony of this workshop.