The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak in today’s committee-stage debate on the Ministries of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Urban Development, Construction and Housing. These ministries have been allocated substantial funds this year. The Highways Ministry—once seen as rife with excess corruption—now appears restructured and administratively improved. The Hon. Minister present has promised several projects focused on our area; I am happy and extend my thanks and best wishes.

¶ 02 Particularly, more funds have been allocated for rural roads rehabilitation. In Ampara District, areas such as Alayadivembu, Thirukkovil, Pottuvil, Karaitivu, Navithanveli, Kalmunai, Malwatte and Valathapitty still have many rural roads unrepaired. People there live in difficult conditions for transport. About 72 km of roads urgently need rehabilitation; at least half—those identified—should be repaired soon. I request this through this august Assembly.

¶ 03 In Alayadivembu, due to the lack of proper drainage, the area stays inundated for 3–4 months during rainy seasons, affecting around 37,000 people; over 10,000 are displaced annually. Lands elsewhere were filled, channeling water into this area. Please implement a suitable 7–8 km drainage system so students and the public can continue activities without interruption in rainy seasons.

¶ 04 There is also the dilapidated Keethanki bridge in Ampara District. Because it has not been rehabilitated, for up to three months a year, the travel of over 100,000 people is blocked. This was raised even at DCC meetings. With rains, neither students nor farmers nor others can pass; people are effectively cut off and there have been annual fatalities in the rainy season. People then must detour up to 54 km to reach places like Kalmunai. Please prioritize rehabilitating the Keethanki bridge.

¶ 05 Further, if we lay railway track from Batticaloa to Pottuvil—about 90 km—and establish a railway system, it will help move produce and ease passenger travel. It would also boost tourism. Plans were once made decades ago, during President Premadasa’s time, with Iranian funding, but were halted. Please revisit this.

¶ 06 Another key point: a year ago, the Rajarata Rajini train services from Vavuniya to Colombo at 3.45 a.m. and 5.15 a.m. were stopped and now start only from Anuradhapura. Passengers are inconvenienced. Even if the 3.45 a.m. train cannot be restarted, please at least restart the 5.15 a.m. service from Vavuniya to Colombo, which will help passengers from Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Kilinochchi.

¶ 07 In Kalmunai’s Neelavanai and Kurundhaadi condominium housing schemes, the toilet pits have collapsed; in the rainy season, sewage water stagnates up to waist level for three months, causing unbearable stench. About 500 houses are affected. Please focus on this through the Clean Sri Lanka program and resolve it. It has been discussed repeatedly at DCC meetings and a proposal was brought. Please take action.