The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam

¶ 01 [11.35 a.m.]

¶ 02 An important Motion has been brought to build a highway for Ratnapura. We welcome it; we do not oppose. But the North and East remain underdeveloped primarily due to transport constraints. Travel from Colombo to our areas takes 7–8 hours. In 2013–2014, proposals spoke of an expressway to Batticaloa via Moneragala and a Northern Line expressway via Dambulla. The Government should also consider these.

¶ 03 We are happy about the Kandy Expressway as it eases access to Batticaloa via Kandy. However, Hon. Harsha de Silva highlighted that a USD 500 million Chinese loan interest cap has shifted from a 2.59% fixed rate to a 3.50% cap — raising concerns. Past highway projects had allegations of corruption; will this Government face the same? While China offers loans, India has provided grants — USD 63 million for Kankesanthurai Port development — which was reportedly not accepted. Please prioritize grants and prudent financing.

¶ 04 We have said before: China is not welcome in the North and East as they have not supported Tamil interests, including at the UNHRC. We urge developing connectivity in the North and East by upgrading Trincomalee Harbour, Batticaloa Airport, Jaffna–Palali Airport and KKS Harbour. With such development, we could raise our own funds or secure grants to build regional highways, if the Government allows.

¶ 05 We support a Ratnapura highway while urging equal priority for the North and East.