Mano Ganesan pushes for Integration of Plantation Housing into National Framework
Parliamentary proceedings on Nov. 24 witnessed a productive engagement between senior opposition MP Mano Ganesan and Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe.
Speaking during the committee stage debate this week, the Tamil Progressive Alliance, TPA, leader reiterated several points concerning the housing challenges faced by plantation workers.
The minister reportedly offered some assurances in response to the MP’s suggestions.
Mano Ganesan has been consistently advocating for a permanent solution to the housing and land rights issues faced by the Malaiyaha community in Sri Lanka.
Mano Ganesan’s speech on housing for the upcountry Tamil community focused on two key proposals to streamline the implementation of the housing project.
Integration into the National Housing Framework: He urged that the plantation housing projects be integrated into the national framework under the purview of the Ministry of National Housing and Construction, to ensure a more coordinated approach.
He proposed that the Ministry of Plantation Infrastructure should be responsible only for identifying and allocating the necessary land for these housing projects and handing it over to the National Housing Ministry promptly, rather than managing the construction itself.
These suggestions are part of his ongoing advocacy for systemic changes in government policy to find a permanent solution to the housing and land ownership issues faced by the upcountry Tamils.