High-Density High Rise Low-Income Housing in Sri Lanka

A house is a basic human need. In a literal sense, a house provides warmth, shelter, and security. Beyond its physical nature, the concept of ‘house’ is deeply ingrained in human civilization as the space where the institution of family is nurtured. It is a place that reflects a person’s identity, living conditions, human values, aspirations, future expectations, and one’s social and cultural identity. This situation is common in developing countries, especially in urban areas. The thesis is motivated by a sincere effort to practically address the problems of housing in the city of Colombo, in particular the scarcity of habitable housing for low-income people.

Sri Lanka is currently grappling with a significant housing crisis, particularly in urban areas like Colombo. According to data from the 2012 Census of Population and Housing Survey, the demand for housing has surged by 11.9%, reaching 5,875,009 units from 2012 to 2022. However, the supply has only increased by 9.5%, resulting in a shortfall of approximately 189,858 units. This gap is even more pronounced in Colombo, where the demand for housing increased by 10% to 635,385 units, but the supply only grew by 7.4%, leading to a shortage of around 26,978 units. This scarcity not only drives up house prices but also challenges the broader affordability of housing, impacting citizens across various socioeconomic strata.

The housing crisis in Sri Lanka is multifaceted. Urbanization, population growth, and evolving societal needs have outpaced the expansion of housing supply. Historical housing policies and limited private sector participation have left the government shouldering most of the responsibility. The absence of a robust regulatory framework and streamlined approval processes further impedes the swift execution of housing projects. Additionally, environmental sustainability is a crucial challenge, especially considering Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate change. Builders need to adopt sustainable practices to ensure the longevity and safety of future projects.

The housing conditions in Sri Lanka vary significantly across urban, rural, and estate sectors. In urban areas like Colombo, an estimated 65,000 families live in underserved settlements, characterized by poor-quality housing and inadequate infrastructure. These settlements often lack proper water, sanitation, and waste management facilities, leading to health and social issues. In rural areas, agricultural productivity has declined due to irregular rainfall and poor maintenance of irrigation infrastructure. This has left many rural families without sufficient income to build or maintain decent housing. The estate sector, which includes plantation workers, faces its unique challenges. Workers live in cramped “line rooms” with limited access to basic amenities like water and sanitation. Their low wages make it nearly impossible to save money or improve their living conditions.

The Sri Lankan government has attempted to address the housing crisis through various initiatives and policies. However, many of these efforts have focused more on slum clearance rather than addressing the root causes of the affordable housing issue. The lack of a cohesive, long-term housing policy focused on low-income housing has significantly contributed to the limited construction of affordable houses. There is a need for more comprehensive and inclusive policies that prioritize affordable housing and streamline regulatory processes to facilitate faster project execution.

The future of housing in Sri Lanka looks promising, with significant growth expected in the real estate sector. However, addressing the current housing crisis requires urgent and effective policy interventions. The government needs to work closely with the private sector to increase the supply of affordable housing. Implementing sustainable building practices and improving regulatory frameworks are also crucial steps in ensuring long-term housing solutions. Additionally, increasing investment in infrastructure and basic amenities in underserved areas can improve living conditions and reduce the disparity between different sectors. By taking these steps, Sri Lanka can move towards a future where every citizen has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing.

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