The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, during today’s debate on the National Audit (Amendment) Bill and the approval of the related Supplementary Estimates, I first wish to highlight an important matter.

¶ 02 Representing the six Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Harispattuwa, Pathadumbara, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Gangawata Korale, and Thumpane, a drinking water project commenced in 2019: the Kandy North–Pathadumbara Integrated Water Supply Project. Work began and proceeded, but it was halted midway. Because of the stoppage, roads in those areas were cut and damaged to lay water supply lines and remain so. As a result, many problems have arisen for the people there—foremost, the lack of drinking water and, due to the cut roads, difficulties in travel.

¶ 03 Currently, the project is stopped. Outstanding payments due on the project amount to Rs. 10.285 billion. In addition, if the project is to resume this year, at least Rs. 3 billion will be required. Therefore, through this Supplementary Estimate we are converting Rs. 13,285.6 million earlier earmarked under foreign financing to domestic financing so that Rs. 10.285 billion of dues can be settled and funds provided in 2025 to complete the remaining works.

¶ 04 The project’s goal was to provide drinking water to 700,000 people. With a further Rs. 3 billion this year, we intend at minimum to meet the drinking water needs of roughly 100,000 people in Akurana, Poojapitiya, Yahalatenna, Kurundalu Oya Gammaduwa, and Owissa.

¶ 05 At the very moment we bring these vital amendments, the Opposition behaved in a highly disruptive manner this morning. Just earlier they claimed that the country’s peaceful environment might be disturbed; yet it was the Opposition that tried to disturb the peace in this very Parliament. However, the Government side, representing 159 Members, acted with restraint and ensured order was restored.

¶ 06 We have seen how a previous ruling party’s thugs behaved in this House in past incidents—how the Opposition was treated, even with chili powder being brought in and Members assaulted. Today we did not behave in that manner. Despite the Opposition’s unruliness, we maintained discipline.

¶ 07 Schoolchildren who came to witness Parliament this morning could not do so because they had to be removed from the gallery due to that behavior. Why is the Opposition acting so? Because of the major victories the Government has achieved over the past year. The Opposition says people are suffering, prices are high. We say: this year we have increased remittances; boosted growth in the export economy and construction; restarted many halted projects including expressways; raised public sector salaries at the outset; intervened to increase private sector wages; provided funds for schoolchildren’s attire and shoes; increased Aswesuma support; and fuel and electricity prices are lower now than when we took office. We increased student scholarships. We are recruiting around 60,000 into service where no recruitment happened for 10 years. Where has this development gone? It is here, not on Mars.

¶ 08 When we took office, the cost of producing a kilo of paddy for the farmer was around Rs. 99-308 while the selling price was about Rs. 100. Now production costs are around Rs. 858-908 per 5 kg sack, which sells at about Rs. 1,200. We have ensured fairness to farmers and supported their families with scholarships, school attire, and Aswesuma. We will establish Community Strengthening Committees and, from next month, launch village projects to eradicate poverty.

¶ 09 They now allege that 323 “released” containers contained drugs. The Police Spokesman has clearly stated those containers did not contain such substances. They try to link everything to those 323 containers. Yet when drugs and weapons are found on properties of certain Pohottuwa politicians, were they expelled? What about those accused of other crimes then—were they removed? There are still thugs and drug dealers—how many were expelled?

¶ 10 We acknowledge that some officials, placed in the State machinery over the years, remain and gaps occur. But as a Government we have not engaged in corruption. The Opposition’s arguments are not aligned to the Bill or the debate. They ask about development; yet it is due to projects they started haphazardly that we now have to settle Rs. 10.3 billion in dues, delay charges and others. Had projects been sequentially commenced and completed, there would be no such damage to the national economy. Consider the Kandy Expressway started in fragmented sections—huge payments had to be made. The present contract too is with a Chinese contractor; Rs. 10.285 billion must be paid as delay and other charges.

¶ 11 This year, the greater share of our carefully marshalled resources must go to settle delay charges and other costs arising from what the Pohottuwa administration did, not only damaging the economy during their tenure but for 10-15 years ahead. The present Government is gradually rebuilding the economy with prudence, reducing the cost of living. The people have no issue; only the 15 or 20 Members in the Opposition are troubled.

¶ 12 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees.