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

“JANASEVANA” National Housing Symposium 2011
Conference Proceedings
Background
The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) is committed to creating a conducive environment for the promotion of
affordable quality housing for all and to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular the Goal 7
‐ Target 11. The Government’s Development Policy Framework ‘Mahinda Chinthana Vision for a New Sri Lanka, A Ten
Year Horizon Development Framework 2006 – 2016’ envisages the Government’s role in the housing sector shifting
from the role of a developer and financier to that of a regulator and a facilitator. The National Symposium on “Housing
For All”, organised by the Ministry of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities in
collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN‐HABITAT) was held during 22‐23 March
2011 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) in Colombo. The symposium provided a platform for all stakeholders
in the housing sector, such as policy makers, academics, practitioners, developers, investors and members of micro
finance institutions and Community Based Organizations (CBOs), to share their experiences and views on affordable,
adequate housing in the emerging Sri Lankan economy. The forum created an opportunity to address different
dimensions in the housing sector, to identify key challenges and explore opportunities in the realization of national
objectives.
Main objectives of the National Housing Symposium:
• Create a platform for policy makers, academicians, practitioners, developers, members of micro finance
institutions and CBOs and others interested in housing to interact and share their experiences;
• Address new dimensions for Janasevana housing within the context of emerging economic development;
• Examine the proposed National Housing Policy;
• Explore and identify challenges in the social housing sector;
• Discuss innovative and affordable financing systems; and
• Examine ways to promote new, innovative, cost effective technology for housing.
The symposium focussed on four main thematic areas:
• Housing needs: Social housing and quality of life
• Current development strategies: policies and sustainability
• A Home within reach: Affordability and quality of housing
• Technology for affordable housing and disaster resistance
The two day symposium was inaugurated with an opening session and a keynote address followed by four technical
sessions focusing on the priority housing sectors identified above. Two technical sessions were conducted each day,
with each session featuring three to four eminent panellists with expertise in the sector. Each session commenced
with a brief overview of the thematic area by the Chairperson, followed by 10‐15 minute presentations by each
panellist. An interactive discussion was conducted at the end of each session to obtain the views and answer queries
of the participants. On Day Two, following the two technical sessions, the Secretary Ministry of Construction,
Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities provided the concluding remarks and guidance on the way
forward for the housing sector in Sri Lanka following the National Housing Symposium.
Conference Proceedings – National Housing Symposium 2