Conference Proceedings : “JANASEVANA” National ... - UN HABITAT

Key words: Salient features, where it stands now, current needs, future demand, gaps, new areas
identified
3. A HOME WITHIN REACH: AFFORDABILITY AND QUALITY OF HOUSING
In Sri Lanka the housing sector contributes to the national economy in various forms. It contributes to
the construction industry at large and generates employment both skilled and unskilled. Housing credit
is an important factor for the growth of the housing sector and access to housing finance has been
always limited to a traditional approach. Domestic capital market has not been effectively explored to
facilitate the housing sector, and in particular formal banking sector had been more conservative and
inflexible. This symposium will provide a platform to discuss and share experiences gained in innovative
financing products which could enhance the financial inflow for the housing sector.
Session Chair: Mr. Don Barnabus
Panelists:
Dr. Darin Gunasekara
Investments in Housing: Current Trends, Opportunities and Challenges
Key words: Bond issues, capital bonds for housing, land sharing, investment flow
Mr.Palitha Gamage
Housing Finance: The Government Initiatives
Key words: Housing capital market, MFIs in Sri Lanka, catering to housing finance, increasing
demand
Mr. D.V.Pathirana
Low Income Housing Credit: The Emerging Market
Prof. Ashu Marasinghe
Sustainability of a National Policy for Housing in an Emerging Economy
Key words: Salient features of a sustainable policy, conceptual framework, fast moving
economies, policy flexibility, in the MIC context, policy sustained with development
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