The Hon. Anton Jayakody — Deputy Minister of Environment

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, today we present amendments to the National Audit Act No. 19 of 2018 for second reading, and two supplementary estimates: to complete the halted Kandy North–Pathadumbara Integrated Water Supply Project under domestic funds to resolve the drinking water issue of 700,000 people; and to provide nutrition packs to pregnant mothers suffering from malnutrition.

¶ 02 I restate the three items because most Opposition speeches—except one—were unrelated to the agenda. We expected a broad discussion and constructive amendments.

¶ 03 In 2018, when the National Audit Bill came for second reading, JVP Members proposed amendments; no space was given, yet the Bill passed—converting the Department into an Audit Service, but clipping its wings.

¶ 04 Amending the Act strengthens fiscal discipline over public funds. Where state financial discipline lapses, misappropriation occurs, and corrupt officials shield each other. These amendments protect officers who act properly and provide legal means to proceed against corrupt officials—like giving back wings to a bird so it can fly.

¶ 05 For example, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe interfered in excise matters: when about Rs. 7,000 million in excise duties were due from companies such as Mendis, Wayamba Distilleries and Finland Distilleries, the then Excise Commissioner General, pressed not to “trouble his people,” was twice summoned and threatened—leading him to resign. That is misuse and a collapse of financial discipline. If the 2018 amendments we bring now had been accepted then, the Audit Authority would not have been left clipped.

¶ 06 On the second matter: Sri Lanka’s groundwater and surface water are widely polluted. Providing safe drinking water is a government duty. In Badulla this month, we prepared to protect watersheds, including the Naranagala spring, where E. coli and coliform levels are high in water used for drinking and bathing. We must supply safe water.

¶ 07 The Kandy North–Pathadumbara Integrated Water Project, started in 2019 with Chinese funds, halted three years ago after 89% completion. When we took office, the country was stalled; restarting projects entails delay costs, interest, exchange losses, and large arrears to local contractors. To meet drinking water needs, we now allocate about Rs. 10.3 billion through a supplementary estimate, and Rs. 3 billion to supply water to Akurana, Poojapitiya, Yalatenna, Kurundugahamada and Owissa—benefiting one lakh families—targeting completion in 2025. These funds will come from 2025 external financing provisions, with the remaining Rs. 13.3 billion to be allocated to take the project forward. Ultimately, 700,000 people will benefit, with 100,000 families getting safe drinking water.

¶ 08 Our aim—good practices, safe water and food, and better health—will help transform Sri Lanka into a better, more prosperous country. This is one step. With that, I conclude. Thank you for the time.