Subpar construction found in 24 housing complexes

2026-02-05 - 05:28

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) says substandard construction has been identified in 24 apartment complexes, including the ‘Helamuthu Sevana’ housing complex in Modara. The UDA stated that steps will be taken to upgrade the affected sites to ensure safe and habitable standards for residents. The announcement follows an incident yesterday (Feb. 04) in which a young child was seriously injured after a section of cement plaster fell from the seventh floor of the ‘Helamuthu Sevana’ housing complex. According to police, the incident occurred at around 8.30 am, when part of the external wall plaster between 02 housing units had broken off and fell to the ground. According to reports, a part of the fallen plaster had reportedly struck the child on the head. The injured child, aged 07, had been standing near a shop at the base of the housing complex with his grandmother at that time and is currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital of Colombo. The Helamuthu Sevana housing complex was completed and handed over to residents in 2019.