The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake — Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I am aware of the matter raised. We will approach a solution balancing both people and environment. Policy-making is not merely technical; it needs social, technical and legal perspectives. I answer under SO 27(2):

¶ 02 01. The Puttalam–Mannar road, B-379, is an RDA road. The section passing through the Wilpattu National Park under the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) is a gravel section about 35 km long. At present this section is not suitable for transport.

¶ 03 Before the outbreak of the war in the North and East, public transport operated on this road. From the start of the war until its end in 2009, it was not used for public transport and the RDA could not maintain it during that time. After the end of the conflict, from around 2009 to 2018, public transport operated and RDA carried out maintenance as possible. However, due to objections by DWC to entry into the National Park and a case filed by environmentalists alleging harm to fauna and environment, since 2018 the RDA has been unable to carry out maintenance.

¶ 04 Despite continuous discussions at the Puttalam DCC, RDA could not proceed with maintenance.

¶ 05 In Supreme Court Fundamental Rights Case SC/FR/224/2010, the Order dated 07 May 2025 does not permit public transport across the Park on the roads within it, nor does it permit RDA entry into the Park for maintenance beyond what is specified.

¶ 06 02–04. By court order, public transport is currently suspended on this section. However, as this is the shortest link between Puttalam and Mannar, an appropriate decision should be taken after discussions with all agencies.

¶ 07 Further, key excerpts of the Order state: (1) “Public through traffic across the Wilpattu National Park will not be permitted on the Roads within the Park.” (2) “Entry into the Park is not permitted to any individual other than members of the Armed Forces and Police who are engaged in lawful duties. Any other persons will be allowed in accordance with the procedures prescribed under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.” (3) “Subject to the above, there is no objection for the road to be maintained as a gravel road including undertaking of any necessary repairs and maintenance in that form.”

¶ 08 Thus, we cannot build a paved road within the Sanctuary nor open it for general public access. There are security camps, and the Navy was also a party indicating a limited operational need. Maintenance as a gravel road is permitted.

¶ 09 Mannar’s distance from Colombo and limited awareness can hinder nuanced decisions. Trees exist for both wildlife and people; roads exist for people. We cannot solve this with barricades. Based on the judgment, let us, together with Mannar representatives including the Hon. Member, and the Minister of Environment, discuss a solution that safeguards the environment. Wilpattu has no substitute, but the people of Mannar have transport needs. Travel is now difficult. We recognize the sensitivity. We will explore feasible alternative routes through studies and also discuss with the Environment Minister for a solution.