“Although Government has provided assistance to construct a house, it is difficult to make successful of future life style of those who live in a house until they get  true ownership of it.

Under Mahinda Chinthana programme, the governments target is to provide a house for every family in the society. The programme to provide ownership of a house will implement island wide under Janasevana Housing Programme implemented by the government.”

This was said by the Minister of Housing & Construction, Mrs Ferial Ashraff addressing the function organized to distribute the title deeds to house holders at 'Walawwatta' housing scheme at Ratmalana on 14th October 2006.

Further expressing her views on this occasion Mrs. Ferial Ashraff said “Late Mr.Lalith Athulathmudali one of the statesman started developing activities of this Housing scheme. We are glad to distribute ownership to these house holders, as initiated by him. During the past regime most of the householders of these housing schemes lived on rental basic. Due to lack of proper ownership, repairs were not performed by them.  That is one of the increase housing problems in the city of Colombo as well as in other areas of the country. Government is not in a position to repair these houses regularly. The government has taken measures to implement a suitable programme to repair these houses and make them to feel the house they receive belonged to them.

Although there were social differences, it will help to work in co-operation in these Housing Schemes.  It will help to find a solution to these problems faced by our society. These housing schemes set an example to cease misunderstanding in the society which had lead for ethnic problem.

Due to partiality of two major political parties during past decades we had to face different problems such as ethnic problem. Therefore Sri Lankan community worked in different ethnic, religious & caste discrimination. Today we should appreciate commencement of discussion between these parties. This ceremony is a good example for it. Public representatives who represent government and the opposition party are on the same stage aiming the target of providing beneficiaries to the public.

Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mr. Jeevan Kumarathnga expressing his views said “It is important to distribute ownership of a house for a couple of families who have not received a house for past 20 years.   Less attention is paid on Ratmalana electorate when performing development activities in Colombo District. Every one should get together to put it into correct path. The Government will take immediate action to provide ownership to the people in other Housing Schemes of this electorate.

Western Provincial Councillors Mr. Mohan Lal Greru and Mr. Shrinath Lalaka Kumarasinghe, Opposition Leader of Dehiwala - Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Mr Kesara Lal Gunasekara, General Manager of National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) Mr. Wasantha Wijeratne also spoke at this function.

Deeds of House holders of “Walauwatta” were distributed by Mrs. Ferial Ashraff and the other guests presented on this occasion.  Secretary to the Ministry of Housing & Construction Mrs. Mallika Karunaratne, Chairman of NHDA,  Mr Mohamad Rafeek, Provincial Councilllors, Urban Councillors and Government Officials also participated for this occasion.