A demonstration was held in Jaffna, in front of the Northern Provincial Governor’s Office, with residents demanding the immediate release of housing scheme payments that have remained unpaid for years.
Those participating in the protest said that housing schemes implemented by the Sri Lankan government were formally approved in 2019, during the period when N. Vethanayagan served as Jaffna District Secretary. Despite receiving official approval under those schemes, beneficiaries say that the payments due to them have still not been disbursed.
As a result, affected families stated that they have been forced to endure prolonged hardship, living for years without proper shelter. Many said they continue to reside in incomplete or unsafe houses, particularly suffering during monsoon seasons due to the absence of secure housing.
Protesters further accused the current Sri Lankan government of acting selectively in the allocation of housing funds. While payments for new housing projects initiated under the present administration have reportedly been released without delay, schemes approved under the previous administration remain unpaid. This disparity, they said, has caused severe mental distress and financial strain.
They added that the continued silence of the Northern Provincial Governor on the issue has deepened their sense of disappointment and injustice. Several participants said repeated appeals to officials had gone unanswered, leaving them with no option but to return to the streets in protest.
Attention was also drawn to the recent visit of Anura Kumara Dissanayake to Jaffna. Protesters said that although the Sri Lankan president was seen walking through parts of the city, he did not meet families living without proper homes or visit those residing in unfinished and unsafe dwellings.
The demonstrators said they had once again formally brought their grievances to the attention of the Northern Provincial Governor and warned that their protest would continue until the long-delayed housing payments are released and a concrete resolution is provided.
