Sri Lanka elected chairman

by L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

Sri Lanka was elected Chairman of the Asia Region Committee of the United Nations Habitat for the next two years at the 23rd sessions held in Nairobi, Kenya recently.

Construction, Engineering Services Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa who led the Sri Lanka delegation to the Sessions said that it was vital to find a common solution for regional housing issues.

Pakistan assured its fullest cooperation to Sri Lanka's stand. A common housing policy will be implemented in the SAARC region countries in the future. When Sri Lanka delegation drew the attention of the United Nations Human Settlement Commission's Executive Dr. John Crooze on its housing and human settlement program the latter expressed his willingness to provide assistance after studying on Sri Lanka's housing and settlements development program. He also agreed to provide advanced training to the technical staff in housing development. National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) General Manager, L.S. Palansuriya said that during the sessions it was agreed to find a sustainable solution to social economic and environmental issues faced by the Urban population representing half of the total population which will be doubled in two decades.