Slum dwellers in Maradana were provided with a new housing scheme on Jan 29, under a project by the Ministry of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities to settle people with better facilities.

Accordingly, 797 Watta in Maradana, where people used to live in slums was turned into a housing scheme, at a cost of Rs.15 million. It was named as ‘Sulohithapura’ originated by the meaning of the names of two popular schools in Colombo; Ananda and Nalanda.

The scheme was built in 52 weeks by the Housing Development Authority.

“These new houses with better facilities in a new environment will make children engage in their education with a better mind. This will also help stop the mistreatment of the people considered as slum dwellers” said the Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities Wimal Weerawansa.