Background

Sri Lanka has a population of 20 million people, with an estimated 22% being the urban poor.  50 to 60% of the over 2.3 million people living in Colombo, the capital city, are estimated to live in slums.  Although it is a democracy, Sri Lanka is troubled by an on-going civil war, with fighting between government and rebel troops still active, despite attempts at peace.  In spite of this, Sri Lanka has solid economic growth and by developing country standards, its’ financial sector is relatively liquid and quite sophisticated.

The Kirulapona project is located in Havelock Town within the Colombo Municipal Council zone. This project consists of two settlements, Siddharthapura and Kirulapura.

Objectives

To upgrade the substandard housing and infrastructure that will cover two settlements, Siddharthapura and Kirulapura, and ensure protection from flooding, which is common in the area.

Implementation

The project partner SAPSRI (South Asia Partnership Sri Lanka) is in the process of implementing the first phase of this substandard area development project in Kirulapona which involves 31 houses. Both the settlements are similar in their conditions and thus the Kirulapona project involves house upgrades with infrastructure provisions, flood protection and housing improvements

Results

Expected results include tried and tested mechanisms for providing capital financing for slum upgrading in Sri Lanka and for the Kirulapona community; the provision of housing and infrastructure upgrading and flood protection; improved quality of life in participating communities, and; and leveraged private bank participation in slum upgrading projects.

Impact

Improved living conditions for the low-income community of Kirulapona.