A system for implementing resettlement housing projects in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

With the end of the armed conflict in May 2009, the resettlement activities of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) commenced in November 2009 in the Northern Province (NP). Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and foreign governments were involved in providing transitional shelters, repairing damaged houses and constructing new houses. The number of houses initially planned to be constructed could not be completed on schedule. According to media reports, there have been issues during Before Construction Period (BCP) and During Construction Period (DCP). Thus it has become necessary to propose a framework to identify a suitable system for implementing housing projects in these areas. This study develops an approach to solve identified problems using a mixed research approach. The Relative Important Index and Spearman Rank Correlation were used for the data analysis. A suitable system consisting of two frameworks was then developed to make the beneficiaries aware of the importance of keeping land documents safely to prove their ownership of the land and also on the proper utilization of funds they receive through grants. The Implementing Partners also need to conduct awareness programmes on these aspects. Authorities need to issue land documents and resolve common issues related to land ownership and the Banks need to serve the resettled people well and open new branches and mobile banking services in the areas.