The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate the expenditure head of a ministry that affects the daily life of ordinary Sri Lankans. We wish the current Minister well—he is a people’s representative from Anuradhapura and holds responsibility for housing. I listened to his speech; he began by saying they could not reach the “Semata Sevana” housing targets last year. As he represents our district, we wish him success, but please do not be negative. Without targets, we cannot reach goals. We completed the great “Mahaweli” in five years despite a 30-year plan because we set courageous targets. Starting your focus on your own ministry with defeatism makes it difficult for MPs representing districts. In Anuradhapura, we achieved major housing targets—one million, ten million, fifteen million housing programs—because we set and met targets.

¶ 02 There are many housing projects begun in Anuradhapura and halted midway. People who took loans or received aid are suffering. Please, without political lenses, identify the reasons for stoppage and provide the necessary funds to give relief. As projects are stalled, they cannot repay loans, leading to many problems. I request your attention.

¶ 03 Since the State Minister of Defence is present, I raise an issue on Ranaviru housing. Across all districts, including Anuradhapura—such as Ipalogama Ranaviru village—many Ranaviru villages’ residents still have not received deeds for their houses. Please resolve this too.

¶ 04 You mentioned 46,000 soldiers have left the services; however, as we understand, that number is about 15,000. Among them, many who deserted have become gunmen for underworld gangs. If we provide a general amnesty and allow them either to be legally discharged or re-enlist, it will reduce their drift to crime. Even officers in service are confused by the 46,000 figure. If possible, grant a window to regularize their status legally—either retire or rejoin.

¶ 05 Finally, regarding the Chairman of the National Housing Development Authority: a serious allegation. Hon. Minister, on the 17th, a meeting of 45 minutes was convened. You had instructed that District Secretaries were not required to attend. Yet, on his own, he summoned all District Secretaries to Colombo, incurring over Rs. 800,000 in daily costs. Why call them to Colombo merely to have a meal and leave, especially against your instruction? Please inquire and act.