The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, before my main remarks, I wish to respond to some allegations by Hon. Shanakiyan Rasamanickam. He alleged political interference with officials’ duties. Under the NPP Government, we do not interfere in officials’ functions; they operate independently. Where a few officials have failed to perform, we have only advised them—no political interference in promotions or transfers by any of our members.

¶ 02 On illegal sand mining: by decision of the last District Development Committee meeting, we have temporarily halted such activities. Complaints indicate some engaged in illegality while holding old permits from the previous government period. We have referred these to the proper authorities for legal action.

¶ 03 Regarding the Eravur textile zone: about 400 acres in Punnakuda, Eravur DS, Batticaloa, were allocated under an investment project initiated by the previous government, declared under Section 3(4) of the Strategic Development Projects Act by Gazette 2238/40 of 30 July 2021. A factory there will provide 450–500 youth—especially young women—with employment. It will produce raw textile inputs, and also enable export of finished products, creating a market for local production.

¶ 04 To support import–export facilitation, upgrading the Batticaloa Airport to international status would ease development activities. With logistics routed through Trincomalee, we expect to attract more apparel investors. We will ensure that production does not harm natural resources—addressing water use, waste management and air emissions with modern technology, including rainwater harvesting or seawater desalination as needed—so that industrial water needs are met without burdening local supplies.

¶ 05 This will create employment and bring in foreign exchange through exports, while attracting further foreign investment to develop the district. Likewise, issues in the fisheries sector can be addressed through these initiatives. In line with the Government’s vision of a “Prosperous Nation, Beautiful Life,” this is an opportunity for development. Thank you.