Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka's vision is to eliminate substandard housing and its mission is to bring those who have, into partnership with those who don't.

Since its establishment, Habitat has been able to change the lives of over 17,000 families in various parts of Sri Lanka by helping them acquire and build a home which they can call their own. Still, according to the research done by Habitat and in collaboration with the Government Household Expenditure Survey Index 2006/7 and the University of Colombo, Social Science Department- indicates that almost 40% of Sri Lankans live in substandard and inadequate housing.

In December 1985, the United Nations General Assembly declared the first Monday in October to be World Habitat Day - in recognition of every individual's basic need for adequate shelter. This year, World Habitat Day falls on October 1^st.

This year, I am impressed that students from all over Sri Lanka were part of this day and have volunteered to assist needy families in building their homes. I believe it was a life-changing experience.

Today, I urge not only students but every Sri Lankan to lend a hand to those who are in need of safe, decent and affordable housing.

Act Now. Volunteer, Donate and Advocate with Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka.

Otara Gunewardene
Habitat for Humanity Ambassador – Sri Lanka