Our Services
Financial Assistance for New Housing Construction (Rs. 400,000/-): A program providing financial aid to low-income families who are capable of contributing 50% of the requirements but lack the means to complete a habitable house.
Information regarding low-income families with housing development needs is gathered through the respective Divisional Secretariats. This data is then evaluated against departmental criteria to identify and prioritize eligible applicants. Following this, the Divisional Officers of the Department conduct field inspections to submit Feasibility Reports. Upon the approval of these reports, and subject to the budgetary allocations for the given financial year, official applications are issued to the selected beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Identification: Must be a low-income beneficiary selected and recommended by the Divisional Secretary.
- Financial Status: Must be a low-income family unable to complete a house through100% self-funding.
- Prior Assistance: Must not have received housing grants or financial aid from this Department or any other government institution within the last five (5) years.
- Preference/Priority: Priority is given based on one or more of the following factors:
- Female-headed households.
- Widows with school-aged children.
- Families with female children, persons with disabilities, or families in statesof extreme vulnerability due to similar reasons.
- Co-contribution: The beneficiary must be capable of providing a 50% personal contribution toward the project.
- Land Ownership: The applicant must be able to provide acceptable proof of legal ownership or entitlement to the land.
- Special Cases: Requests involving unique circumstances that align with the spirit of these criteria may also be considered.
Required Documentation
- Proof of Ownership: A copy of the Title Deed, certified as a true copy by the Grama Niladhari.
- Consent of Owner: If the land is still legally owned by parents or an original owner, a copy of the deed must be submitted alongside a Letter of Consent from the owner, attested by the Grama Niladhari.
- State Land Permits: Certified copies of permits if the land is held under Jayabhumi, Swarnabhumi, or other licensed land grants.
- Material Estimate: A rough estimate for construction materials for the specific housing phase, totaling Rs. 400,000/-, prepared in consultation with the relevant Divisional Officer.
- Identification: A photocopy of the National Identity Card (NIC), certified by the Grama Niladhari.
- Banking Details: A photocopy of the bank passbook page containing the account holder’s name, address, and account number.
- Location Map: A rough sketch showing the access route to the premises.
Information regarding low-income families with housing development needs is gathered through the respective Divisional Secretariats. This data is then evaluated against departmental criteria to identify and prioritize eligible applicants. Following this, the Divisional Officers of the Department conduct field inspections to submit Feasibility Reports. Upon the approval of these reports, and subject to the budgetary allocations for the given financial year, official applications are issued to the selected beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Official Recommendation: The applicant must be a low-income beneficiary
selected and recommended by the relevant Divisional Secretary. - Need for Facilities: The applicant must belong to a low-income family that either
lacks a permanent toilet or possesses a facility that is dilapidated and unusable. - Prior Assistance: The applicant must not have received any sanitation-related
financial aid from the Department of Housing within the last five (5) years. - Prioritization: Priority will be accorded to families in vulnerable situations,
including:- Female-headed households.
- Widows with school-aged children.
- Families with female children or persons with disabilities.
- Families marginalized due to other significant socio-economic factors.
- Commitment to Completion: The beneficiary must demonstrate the capacity to complete the construction of the toilet through personal labor or contribution, utilizing the provided grant.
- Land Entitlement: The applicant must be able to provide acceptable evidence of legal ownership or entitlement to the land.
- Exceptional Cases: Special requests with justifiable and unique circumstances
equivalent to the above criteria may also be considered.
Required Documentation
- Proof of Ownership: A copy of the Title Deed, certified as a true copy by the Grama Niladhari.
- Consent of Owner: If the land is still legally owned by parents or an original owner, a copy of the deed must be submitted alongside a Letter of Consent from the owner, attested by the Grama Niladhari.
- State Land Permits: Certified copies of permits if the land is held under Jayabhumi, Swarnabhumi, or other licensed land grants.
- Material Estimate: A rough estimate for construction materials for the specific housing phase, totaling Rs. 100,000/-, prepared in consultation with the relevant Divisional Officer.
- Identification: A photocopy of the National Identity Card (NIC), certified by the Grama Niladhari.
- Banking Details: A photocopy of the bank passbook page containing the account holder’s name, address, and account number.
Information regarding low-income families with housing development needs is gathered through the respective Divisional Secretariats. This data is then evaluated against departmental criteria to identify and prioritize eligible applicants. Following this, the Divisional Officers of the Department conduct field inspections to submit Feasibility Reports. Upon the approval of these reports, and subject to the budgetary allocations for the given financial year, official applications are issued to the selected beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Official Endorsement: The applicant must be a low-income beneficiary identified and recommended by the Divisional Secretary.
- Housing Condition: The applicant must belong to a low-income family residing in a house that either lacks a permanent roof or possesses a roof in a severely dilapidated state.
- Prior Assistance: The applicant must not have received any housing-related financial assistance from the Department of Housing within the last five (5) years.
- Prioritization: Priority is given to families in vulnerable circumstances, specifically:
- Female-headed households.
- Widows with school-aged children.
- Families with female children or persons with disabilities.
- Families rendered destitute due to other comparable factors.
- Commitment to Completion: The beneficiary must demonstrate the capacity to utilize the provided roofing grant to complete the roofing of the designated area through their personal contribution and labor.
- Proof of Land Ownership: The applicant must possess the ability to provide acceptable verification of legal ownership or entitlement to the land.
- Special Considerations: Requests involving unique and justifiable circumstances that align with the aforementioned criteria may also be considered
Required Documentation
- Official Endorsement: The applicant must be a low-income beneficiary identified and recommended by the Divisional Secretary.
- Housing Condition: The applicant must belong to a low-income family residing in a house that either lacks a permanent roof or possesses a roof in a severely dilapidated state.
- Prior Assistance: The applicant must not have received any housing-related
financial assistance from the Department of Housing within the last five (5) years. - Prioritization: Priority is given to families in vulnerable circumstances, specifically:
o Female-headed households.
o Widows with school-aged children.
o Families with female children or persons with disabilities.
o Families rendered destitute due to other comparable factors. - Commitment to Completion: The beneficiary must demonstrate the capacity to utilize the provided roofing grant to complete the roofing of the designated area through their personal contribution and labor.
- Proof of Land Ownership: The applicant must possess the ability to provide
acceptable verification of legal ownership or entitlement to the land. - Special Considerations: Requests involving unique and justifiable circumstances that align with the aforementioned criteria may also be considered
Information regarding low-income families with housing development needs is gathered through the respective Divisional Secretariats. This data is then evaluated against departmental criteria to identify and prioritize eligible applicants. Following this, the Divisional Officers of the Department conduct field inspections to submit Feasibility Reports. Upon the approval of these reports, and subject to the budgetary allocations for the given financial year, official applications are issued to the selected beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Official Nomination: The applicant must be a low-income beneficiary identified and recommended by the Divisional Secretary.
- Housing Status: The applicant must belong to a low-income family that currently owns a temporary or partially completed house and possesses the capacity to undertake further construction.
- Prior Assistance: The applicant must not have received any housing-related
financial assistance from the Department of Housing within the last five (5) years. - Prioritization: Priority is accorded to families in vulnerable circumstances,
including:- Female-headed households.
- Widows with school-aged children.
- Families with female children or persons with disabilities.
- Families rendered destitute due to other justifiable socio-economic factors.
- Logistical Contribution: The beneficiary must be capable of personally bearing the
costs of building materials (such as blocks/bricks and cement) and related
transportation charges. - Commitment to Completion: The beneficiary must demonstrate the ability to
utilize the provided financial grant to complete the construction of the designated housing section through their personal contribution and labor. - Land Entitlement: The applicant must be able to provide acceptable verification of legal ownership or entitlement to the land.
- Exceptional Cases: Special requests involving unique circumstances that align with the aforementioned criteria may also be considered.
Required Documentation
- Proof of Land Ownership: A photocopy of the Title Deed, certified as a true copy by the Grama Niladhari.
- Consent Documentation: If the land is still legally held by parents or an original owner, a copy of the deed must be accompanied by a Letter of Consent from the owner, attested by the Grama Niladhari.
- State Land Permits: Certified copies of the permit if the land is held under
Jayabhumi, Swarnabhumi, or other statutory land licenses. - Technical Estimate: A rough estimate for the materials required to construct the designated housing section, prepared and signed by a qualified mason following consultations with the Department’s relevant Divisional Officer.
- Identification: A photocopy of the National Identity Card (NIC), certified by the Grama Niladhari.
- Banking Information: A photocopy of the bank passbook page displaying the account holder’s name, address, and account number.
- Access Route: A rough sketch or route map indicating the access path to the residence.
Information regarding low-income families with housing development needs is gathered through the respective Divisional Secretariats. This data is then evaluated against departmental criteria to identify and prioritize eligible applicants. Following this, the Divisional Officers of the Department conduct field inspections to submit Feasibility Reports. Upon the approval of these reports, and subject to the budgetary allocations for the given financial year, official applications are issued to the selected beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Official Endorsement: The applicant must be a low-income beneficiary identified and recommended by the Divisional Secretary.
- Economic Status: The applicant must belong to a low-income or impoverished family that lacks the financial capacity to construct a permanent kitchen facility.
- Social Prioritization: Priority is accorded to vulnerable households, specifically:
- Female-headed households.
- Families with school-aged children.
- Families with female children or persons with disabilities.
- Livelihood Prioritization: Special priority is given to applicants seeking to generate income or those currently engaged in kitchen-based self-employment to sustain their livelihoods (e.g., operating tea shops, catering, or food preparation for sale).
Required Documentation
- Proof of Land Ownership: A photocopy of the Title Deed, certified as a true copy by the Grama Niladhari.
- Consent Documentation: If the land is still legally held by parents or an original owner, a copy of the deed must be accompanied by a Letter of Consent from the owner, attested by the Grama Niladhari.
- State Land Permits: Certified copies of the permit if the land is held under
Jayabhumi, Swarnabhumi, or other statutory land licenses. - Technical Estimate: A rough estimate for the materials required to construct the kitchen, prepared and signed by a qualified mason following consultations with the Department’s relevant Divisional Officer.
- Identification: A photocopy of the National Identity Card (NIC), certified by the Grama Niladhari.
- Banking Information: A photocopy of the bank passbook page displaying the account holder’s name, address, and account number.
- Access Route: A rough sketch or route map indicating the access path to the
residence
Information regarding low-income earners with housing development needs is collected through Divisional Secretariats. This data is then evaluated against departmental criteria to select and prioritize eligible individuals, to whom loan applications are subsequently issued.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident within the respective
Divisional Secretariat division. - Socio-Economic Status: The applicant must be a Samurdhi beneficiary or a lowincome earner, as certified by the Divisional Secretary and the Grama Niladhari.
- Repayment Capacity: The applicant must possess a reliable source of income to meet the monthly installments and interest payments.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 60 years.
- Loan Amount: Based on the housing requirement, loans ranging from Rs. 50,000/- to Rs. 200,000/- may be granted.
- Interest Rate: An annual interest rate of 8% shall apply, calculated on a reducing balance basis.
- Repayment Period: The repayment term can be set at 3 or 4 years, based on the preference of the borrower.
- Proof of Land Ownership: The applicant must be able to verify legal ownership of the land where the house is being constructed or repaired (verification will be conducted by the Regional Development Bank).
- Guarantor Requirements: Personal guarantees from government employees are not mandatory. Any individual with an income acceptable to the bank, who has not defaulted on loans at the RDB or any other financial institution, may serve as a guarantor. However, the final authority regarding loan approval rests with the bank.
- Bank Account: If the applicant does not hold an existing account at the relevant RDB branch, they must open a savings account with a minimum initial deposit ofRs. 500/-
Information regarding low-income families with housing development needs is gathered through the respective Divisional Secretariats. This data is then evaluated against departmental criteria to identify and prioritize eligible applicants. Following this, the Divisional Officers of the Department conduct field inspections to submit Feasibility Reports. Upon the approval of these reports, and subject to the budgetary allocations for the given financial year, official applications are issued to the selected beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: The applicant must belong to a family unit with permanent residency in the selected Grama Niladhari Division.
- Economic Status: The applicant must be part of a low-income family unable to complete a house through 100% self-funding.
- Prior Assistance: The applicant must not have received any housing grants or
financial aid from this Department within the last five (5) years. - Recognition of Talent (Priority): Priority is accorded to individuals or families with children who have demonstrated exceptional talent in fields such as Education, Sports, Arts, or other similar disciplines, thereby bringing prestige to the Central Province or the nation.
- Construction Guidelines:
- The house must be completed through voluntary community participationaccording to the plans and estimates provided by the Department of Housing.
- In cases where a partially completed house is selected, construction will focus on completing a designated section of the home as agreed upon with the beneficiary.
- Land Entitlement: The applicant must be able to provide acceptable verification of legal ownership or entitlement to the land.
- Exceptional Cases: Requests with unique and justifiable circumstances that align with these criteria will also be considered.
Required Documentation
- Proof of Ownership: A copy of the Title Deed, certified as a true copy by the Grama Niladhari.
- Consent Documentation: If the land is legally owned by parents or an original owner, a copy of the deed must be submitted along with a Letter of Consent from the owner, attested by the Grama Niladhari.
- State Land Permits: Certified copies of the permit if the land is held under
Jayabhumi, Swarnabhumi, or other statutory land licenses. - Technical Estimate: A rough estimate of material costs totaling Rs. 700,000/- for the construction of the designated section, prepared in consultation with the Department’s Divisional Officer.
- Identification: A photocopy of the National Identity Card (NIC), certified by the Grama Niladhari.
- Banking Details: A photocopy of the bank passbook page containing the account holder’s name, address, and account number.
- Location Sketch: A rough sketch or route map showing the access path to the residence.
Information regarding low-income families with housing development needs is gathered through the respective Divisional Secretariats. This data is then evaluated against departmental criteria to identify and prioritize eligible applicants. Following this, the Divisional Officers of the Department conduct field inspections to submit Feasibility Reports. Upon the approval of these reports, and subject to the budgetary allocations for the given financial year, official applications are issued to the selected beneficiaries.
The following criteria are prioritized when awarding roofing grants:
- Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident within the selected Grama Niladhari Division or a family residing in Estate Housing (Line Rooms).
- Housing Condition: Low-income families living in disaster-affected individual
houses or line rooms that either lack a permanent roof or possess a roof in a
severely dilapidated state. - Prior Assistance: Must not have received housing-related financial aid from this Department within the last five (5) years.
- Social Vulnerability: High priority is given to:
- Female-headed households.
- Widows with school-aged children.
- Families with female children or persons with disabilities.
- Families rendered destitute due to other justifiable circumstances.
- Special Cases: Requests with unique and justifiable circumstances aligning with the above criteria.
- Execution Capacity: The beneficiary must demonstrate the ability to complete the roofing of the designated section through their personal contribution and labor, utilizing the grant provided.
- Land Tenure: The applicant must provide acceptable proof of ownership or a formal Letter of Consent/Agreement from the organization that owns the land (e.g.,Plantation Companies).
Required Documentation
- Proof of Land Ownership: A photocopy of the Title Deed, certified as a true copy by the Grama Niladhari.
- Consent of Owner: If the land is held by parents or an original owner, a copy of the deed must be submitted along with a Letter of Consent from the owner, attested by the Grama Niladhari.
- State Land Permits: Certified copies of the permit for Jayabhumi, Swarnabhumi, or other statutory land licenses.
- Technical Estimate: A rough material estimate for the roofing of the designated section, prepared and signed by a qualified carpenter following consultations with the relevant Divisional Officer.
- Identification: A photocopy of the National Identity Card (NIC), certified by the Grama Niladhari.
- Banking Details: A photocopy of the bank passbook page containing the account holder’s name, address, and account number.
- Access Route: A rough sketch or map showing the access path to the residence.
Administration of the Rent Act
Under Section 18A of the Rent Act No. 07 of 1972 (as amended by Act No. 55 of 1980 and Act No. 26 of 2002), the Provincial Housing Commissioner conducts inquiries into applications for the demolition of buildings over 40 years old (premises constructed prior to January 1, 1980). This process facilitates the redevelopment of such sites for more efficient land and structural utilization.
Pursuant to the powers vested in the Provincial Housing Commissioner by the Provincial Councils (Consequential Provisions) Act No. 12 of 1980, inquiries regarding such premises are adjudicated in accordance with the statutory provisions of the Rent Act.
Statutory Powers of the Provincial Housing Commissioner
Under the Rent Act No. 07 of 1972, the Commissioner is vested with the following
authorities:
- Section 2 (Sub-sections 4d, e): Matters pertaining to the application and
commencement of the Act. - Section 9 (Sub-sections 3, 4): Regulations regarding excessive advances,
premiums, or additional payments. - Section 12 (Sub-sections 1, 2): Use of residential premises for non-residential
purposes. - Section 18 (Sub-section 18A): Demolition of buildings (Cap. 268).
- Section 19: Ensuring the total number of residential units is not reduced.
- Section 20 (Sub-sections a1, 2, 4, 5): Construction of additional housing units on surplus land.
- Section 22 (Sub-sections 1a and 2): Legal proceedings related to the ejectment of tenants.
- Section 44 (Sub-section 11a (1)): Matters related to the delegation of powers by the National Housing Commissioner.
Central Provincial Rent Boards
The Rent Boards function within the Central Province in accordance with the Rent Act No.07 of 1972 (as amended) read with the Provincial Councils (Consequential Provisions) Act No. 12 of 1980.
As per the Extraordinary Gazette No. 1688/5 dated January 11, 2011, three Rent Boards have been established for the three districts of the Central Province, covering their respective local authority areas:
Rent Board | Address |
| Kandy | Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Local Government, Provincial |
Matale | District Secretariat, Matale. |
Nuwara Eliya | I.R.D.P. Building, Udapussellawa Road, Nuwara Eliya. |
Composition of the Boards
The Minister of Housing of the Provincial Council appoints four members to each Board, including the Chairman. The fifth member is the Chief Valuer (or their representative) acting ex-officio.
- Representation: At least two members must be landlords, and at least one
member must be a tenant. - Support Staff: Each board includes a Secretary for administration and an
Authorized Officer appointed under Section 44 of the Act.
No | Rent Board | Chairman | Members |
01 | Kandy | 01 | 03 |
02 | Matale | 01 | 03 |
03 | Nuwara Eliya | 01 | 03 |
Total | 03 | 09 | |
Powers and Functions of the Rent Boards
- Determining the standard rent as prescribed under the Act.
- Adjudicating disputes and issuing decisions on matters referred to the Board.
- Issuing orders to landlords for the necessary repair and maintenance of premises.
- Selecting the successor tenant following the death of a tenant.
- Identifying the successor landlord following the death of a landlord.
- Inspecting rented premises to ensure they are maintained in a habitable condition.
- Ordering the payment of rent to an authorized person instead of the landlord.
- Adjudicating against the withdrawal of amenities or facilities provided to the tenant.
- Preventing the harassment of tenants and the damaging of property.
- Initiating legal proceedings for the ejectment of tenants.
- Issuing Certificates of Tenancy and maintaining official records as per Section 37.
Required Documentation for Filing a Case (Rent Act No. 07 of 1972)
- Completed Application Form
- Title Deed of the land
- Survey Plan
- Development Plan
- Development Permit
- Observation Report of the Authorized Officer (Issued by the Office)