The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi

¶ 01 [12.04 p.m.]

¶ 02 I sought rapid commencement of the Ruwanpura Expressway. Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake seconded it. Hon. Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Hon. Jeevan Thondaman, Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna, Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha and Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala spoke; the Hon. Deputy Minister replied.

¶ 03 This is a public-interest Motion, not personal. From the Deputy Minister’s reply and our District MP’s figures, it is clear the project will proceed. However, one ambiguity remains: while the Ingiriya section is confirmed, the exact alignment and phasing beyond to Ratnapura and Pelmadulla are not yet finalized. We understand we cannot build 100–150 km at once. Commencing the works will itself be a major relief for Ratnapura, Badulla and Monaragala. We appreciate the Government’s commitment and funding.

¶ 04 Regarding gems, Hon. (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna stated gems do not bring significant export income. I urge revisiting the data. Our challenge is that Sri Lanka lacks a mechanism compelling accurate declaration of gem values on export. If proper laws existed, the industry would not cause a net loss. Creating road access so international buyers can directly purchase in Ratnapura, with proper regulatory frameworks, will increase value capture.

¶ 05 I thank all who supported the Motion and the Deputy Minister. Let us make this a reality benefiting not only Ratnapura but all who will use this corridor.