The Hon. Nanda Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, before I begin, I express deep condolences to families who lost lives and property in the recent Lower Kadugannawa incident in Mawanella, Kegalle District, which I represent. We will ensure state intervention to prevent such tragedies.

¶ 02 On the Heads relating to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, I wish to focus on the National Community Water Supply Department—its 2025 work and plans for 2026. In 2025, Rs. 2,701 million was allocated for development projects; in 2026, over Rs. 3,000 million is allocated.

¶ 03 In Kegalle District—Dehiowita, Yatiyantota, and Ruchnchalle DS areas—many special water projects are ongoing. In my Aranayake electorate, people living on the upper slopes on both banks of the Maa Oya face acute water shortages, with sources drying quickly in short dry spells. In Dolal Oya and Depathgama GS divisions, the historic Selawa area, Poo Udagama, Kandeowatta and many more are severely affected. For Bathalegala, Buhigammana and Ambadeniya, feasibility studies are underway under the National Community Water Supply Department; we hope to complete them next year, supported by the President’s allocation of nearly Rs. 3,000 million.

¶ 04 From 2025 funds, 203 new water projects were commenced, aiming to provide 11,955 connections benefiting 72,690 families, with Rs. 2,000 million allocated. A further Rs. 700 million is allocated for rehabilitation and improvement of ongoing community schemes—over 226 projects—covering distribution upgrades, new tanks, source development and treatment systems, benefiting over 8,000 families. Training and awareness to enhance scheme sustainability will continue.

¶ 05 For 2026, about Rs. 2,982 million is allocated; works utilizing Rs. 2,000 million have already begun, with 146 ongoing projects scheduled for completion. We are confident of significant islandwide impact, especially addressing potable water needs in many upland areas of Kegalle District. Thank you for the opportunity.