Sri Lanka, Nov. 16 -- l Appeal to authorities to end slavery and refugee status l Compelled to face unpredictable rent increases, unfair restrictions, and the constant threat of eviction

A bottom-top discussion and collaboration with a people-friendly and people-centred administrative mechanism is critical to address the persisting issue of the 'unknown poor' in the country whose call for a permanent house has gone unheeded for many decades.

Relating tearful stories that evoked a strong emotional response at a forum in Negombo last week organised by the People's Alliance for Right to Land to mark the World Habitant Day, landless citizens in the Gampaha district called on the authorities to bring an end to shame and slavery of the homele...