Business
EU hands over new homes under ‘Homes not Houses’ project
Implemented by Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka and World Vision Lanka
Representatives of the European Union (EU) ceremoniously handed over homes to owners under the ‘Homes not Houses’ project, a EUR 14 million EU funded project, implemented in the North and East of Sri Lanka. Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka and World Vision Lanka successfully concluded this multi-year, multi-faceted undertaking that empowered more than 2,370 conflict-affected families to resettle and rebuild their lives and future through sustainable housing and community economic development.
“Our lives have taken a turn for the better. We now dare to dream of a better future for our children who want to be doctors, teachers and bankers to contribute to the development of our country. We cannot express in words the hardships we faced during the war but we can express our heartfelt gratitude towards all those who assisted us to rebuild, resettle and regain our dignity. There are many more families who need help just like us. We hope they too will receive the same support”, expressed home-owner Nagalingam Sandiran of Karaichchi, Kilinochchi.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Kilinochchi, EU Ambassador Denis Chaibi said “This project is about investing in people, particularly those who have gone through the hardships of violent conflict, to build on their resilience. We hope that as we invest in people, these beneficiaries will also invest in themselves and each other by working together in ways that will bring results and advance peace and reconciliation. The “Homes not Houses” project is also noteworthy for its approach, prioritising owner-driven, environmentally friendly construction. So, it is an amalgam of two EU priorities: investing in people and preserving the environment.”
“Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka was honoured to work alongside families in need of safe and secure housing where children can study and play in a healthy environment while parents can focus on improving their livelihoods and communities can contribute to social cohesion” said Yu Hwa Li, National Director, Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka. “We greatly appreciate the unwavering support of the European Union and World Vision Lanka that ensured a successful completion.”
With this project the EU concluded its decade long “Aid to Uprooted People” programme in the country, during which the EU provided more than EUR 50 million towards owner-driven reconstruction for over 20,000 households and internally displaced persons affected by conflicts. In addition, as compared to other existing housing programmes in the country, the project adopted an innovative “home owner driven” approach where the households contributed directly to the design and construction of their home. It also featured the use of innovative, sustainable and low-carbon construction technologies and materials locally produced such as compressed stabilized earth blocks1 with about 45% of the houses built. It is known as one of the best examples of Habitat’s climate-sensitive initiatives where families and masons had opportunities to learn about the benefits and utilize sustainable construction technologies and materials that are an alternative to mining sand known for their negative impact on the environment but also an alternative to use of costly and carbon intensive imported cement.
Also present was the Government Agent for Kilinochchi Rubawathy Ketheeswaran who oversees the development work by several NGOs and state entities in the North related to the resettlement of IDPs. Commenting on the project Mrs. Ketheeswaran said, “It was my responsibility to promote this project’s unique concept of eco-friendly construction concept and I was able to enlighten the people about its benefits in terms of the cooling effect and efficiency in electricity consumption.”
The project also featured an economic and livelihood development component. About 46,000 people improved their self-sufficiency through skills training and livelihood support in husbandry, agriculture, home-based construction enterprises, and built resilience through disaster risk reduction mapping and drainage and culvert improvements. “It’s wonderful to see the impact of this partnership between the European Union, Habitat for Humanity and World Vision” said Shelby Stapleton, Director of International Resource development and Management, World Vision Lanka “Working together with the government and community to secure livelihoods and homes, not houses, is critical for stability and cohesion, and we are thrilled to see the fruits of this labour today”
Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development
In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.
Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.
Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.
“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.
Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.
However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.
Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.
The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.
In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.
American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.
Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.
For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.
Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.
Showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Sri Lanka reiterates its territory won’t be used against India
UK-led Core Group calls Jaffna mass graves a ‘stark reminder’ but stops short of calling for international accountability
India underscores security and defence in overall partnership with SL
If Sri Lanka wants ‘real’ stability, only one way to achieve it, in a short time
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News5 days agoNamal remanded until Sept. 18 over Airbus deal investigation
-
Latest News4 days agoTharanga creates history with Diamond League crown in Brussels
-
News4 days agoDispute which triggered listed company director being detained at BIA resolved
-
Features3 days agoAfter the parade: What a traffic OIC’s walk-out tells us
-
Opinion6 days agoIn Memory of Dr Upatissa Pethiyagoda
-
Editorial5 days agoPower vs Equality
-
Latest News6 days agoSLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa arrested by CIABOC
-
Editorial3 days ago
Arrests as theatre