The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, this is a necessary Bill because the institution functioned without being legalized for a very long time. It focuses especially on construction in low-lying flood-prone areas and regions designated as disaster-risk zones. As representatives of the hill country, we must be vigilant. The Bill empowers mapping of such areas, which is crucial. People can check deeds and chains of title, but they cannot easily know whether land lies in high or moderate landslide risk zones. Due to lack of awareness, people build continuously in such places. A tragic example occurred in Kandy at Buwelikada, where Attorney-at-Law Achala Ekanayake, her husband, and their infant lost their lives. National attention faded after a while, but this underscores the importance.

¶ 02 In our areas, in 2023 there were 9 landslides and 10 identified risks; in 2024 there were 4 landslides and 12 identified risks. Despite long-standing identification, without a clear law there were no enforceable restrictions on construction in such zones. With this Bill, we can regulate properly hereafter. After rains in the steep hill tracts, soil slippage from paddy terraces is common; we must pay attention.

¶ 03 We are constructing 50 bus shelters islandwide; one is in Nawalapitiya. Unfortunately, initial work is blocked due to unauthorized constructions that have impeded the long-established underground storm-water drainage of that planned town. An unauthorized commercial complex has been built within railway reserves. On 12.02.2021 the General Manager of Railways informed the Nawalapitiya Municipal Commissioner about this. During rains the entire town floods. Before building the new shelter, we now must obtain primary guidance on draining the floodwater. The Land Development Corporation has quoted Rs. 2,985,400 just to provide guidance. Because of politically enabled unauthorized constructions, nearly Rs. 3 million of public money must now be spent to figure out how to drain rainwater that was flowing perfectly for centuries.

¶ 04 On a critique by the Opposition: they said involving police officers when entering premises under this Bill is unnecessary. Not so. We recently saw a person threatening a Divisional Secretary. There are individuals with various mental states who obstruct. Laws are meaningless without proper enforcement arrangements and protection for officials. Police resources formerly used for VIP shows are now available for real duties. Deploying police when needed for lawful tasks should not cause fear—unless the Opposition fears their past practices are being blocked. We are moving towards international standards for sustainable development, and this Bill is important. Thank you.