The Government will implement a massive housing project at a cost of Rs. 1,500 million to solve the prevailing shelter problem countrywide and to cater to housing needs of those who live below the poverty line.

The project will be implemented in two different categories. One will be implemented under the Negenahira Navodhaya development programme and the second under the plantation sector housing programme.

According to National Housing Development Authority 3,458 housing units costing Rs. 500 million will be constructed for estate workers while 10,000 housing units at a cost of Rs. 1,000 million will be constructed Batticaloa, Ampara and Trincomalee districts under the Negenahira Navodhaya programme.

The proposed housing project will come up in Colombo, Kalutara, Kandy, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle, Matara, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Badulla, Monaragala, Ratnapura, and Kegalle, he added.