“Homes not Houses” project Funded by the European Union was a part of the Batticaloa International Trade Exhibition (BITE), which was held at the Shivanantha College Ground in Batticaloa from the 5th to 7th October 2018 which was attended by over 15,000 participants. This initiative was organized by the Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (Pvt.) Ltd. (LECS), together with the Batticaloa District Farmer’s Organization. Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka and its implementing partner, World Vision Lanka were given the opportunity to exhibit project related materials and models to raise awareness on Appropriate Construction Technologies which are being currently practiced through the “Homes not Houses” project.

The various types of Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (full blocks, ¾ blocks, ½ blocks, U blocks and round blocks) were displayed for public viewing and a production demonstration of how the CSEB blocks are manufactured was conducted. Additionally, an awareness session was also conducted to educate the participating engineers, architects, technical officer, masons and/or individuals in the construction industry on the process, testing and benefits of using this technology.

Mr. Ludovic Ciechanowski, representing the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Chandana Hewawasam, Program Manager of the European Union to Sri Lanka, Mr. Brian Grant, Chief of Party of Habitat for Humanity and several staff members of Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka and World Vision Lanka participated in the event.