President in Jaffna: Zero tolerance for racism

Saturday, 17 January 2026 01:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake receives the traditional blessing and welcome from residents in the North where he launched the National Housing Program

Pledges to resolve war-displaced housing during term
Launches 2026 National Housing Program for 31,218 families nationwide
2,500 war-displaced families in North and East included in the program
800 families in Jaffna to receive Rs. 2 m per house in first phase
Rs. 300,000 cheques handed over to beneficiaries at launch event in North

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday reaffirmed his Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards racism and pledged to fully resolve the housing problems of all families displaced by the war during his term of office, as he launched the 2026 National Housing Program in Jaffna.

Speaking at the inauguration of the national housing initiative titled “A Place to Belong – A Beautiful Life” at the Weerasingham Primary School grounds in Meesalai, Chavakachcheri, the President stressed that the Government will not allow racial tensions to be incited anywhere in the country, whether in the North, South or East, including around heritage or religious sites.

The initiative targets 31,218 families countrywide, including 2,500 war-displaced families from the North and East.

Under its first phase, 800 war-displaced families in the Jaffna District will receive Rs. 2 million per house, with the first tranche of Rs. 300,000 cheques distributed at the event.

Dissanayake said prolonged delays in rebuilding homes destroyed during the war were unjust and pledged that no family displaced by the conflict would be left without a permanent home under his administration.

He also highlighted broader plans to uplift the Northern Province through housing, education, livelihoods, tourism and infrastructure development.

He underlined the Government’s commitment to reconciliation, inclusive development and rebuilding public trust, noting that years of conflict-driven politics had harmed both the North and the South.

The President called on citizens to work together to build a harmonious, conflict-free country for future generations.