The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs
2026-02-19
The Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs announced the "Yathivara Maapiya Nivahana" programme, a housing initiative for the parents of Buddhist monks who have entered the Sangha. Under the scheme, developed in partnership with the National Housing Development Authority, eligible parents will receive a grant of Rs. 1.5 million per house. Cabinet approval has been secured with presidential guidance, with plans to construct 1,000 houses island-wide in the current year, prioritising remote and underserved villages.
Mr. Speaker, this is timely. We have moved beyond discussion to action through the “Yathivara Maapiya Nivahana” programme. Under it, we plan to implement a housing project for the parents of venerable monks who have entered the Sangha, together with the National Housing Development Authority and our Ministry. We intend to provide a grant of Rs. 1.5 million per house for the parents of such monks, many of whom live in difficult conditions. With the guidance of the President, Cabinet approval has been obtained. We aim to implement 1,000 houses island-wide this year, prioritizing remote and difficult villages. We expect to commence and move swiftly.