Hon. (Dr.) Ilayathamby Srinath

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity to speak in the debate on the Second Reading of the 79th Budget.

¶ 02 Out of the total allocation of Rs. 4,218.2 billion, 69 per cent is for recurrent expenditure and 31 per cent for capital expenditure. Let us see what programmes have been funded to rebuild the economy. Importantly, 12 per cent has been allocated to health and 6.4 per cent to education, and I welcome the Government’s efforts to develop these sectors.

¶ 03 Funds have been allocated for the reconstruction of the war-affected North and East—particularly the North—which suffered over three decades. I thank and commend this. I also wish to point out that Batticaloa District in the Eastern Province similarly requires such allocations.

¶ 04 In the Government’s Budget, allocations to the North and to the estate sector are commendable, and priority has been given to previously neglected and marginalized needs. The East, especially Batticaloa, has suffered similar impacts. Yesterday, one of our MPs described Batticaloa’s geography and economy; I wish to reiterate those points.

¶ 05 Batticaloa District has a vast land area, with its lagoon dividing it into two parts: the eastern “Eluvaankarai” and the western “Paduvaankarai.” The western Paduvaankarai has extensive paddy lands and tanks. During the war, as it was outside Government control, development projects there were minimal. Now, when we need to rebuild the national economy by improving agriculture, funds have been allocated to the sector. We need to expand the agricultural lands and rehabilitate tanks in the Paduvaankarai area. We must also give priority to building strong, permanent bridges to connect the Eluvaankarai and Paduvaankarai regions. Over 150,000 people live in areas like Paduvaankarai, Vakarai, and Vaakarai-adjacent regions, with substantial resources for economic advancement. The line ministries must therefore allocate more funds through this Budget.

¶ 06 Our region faces annual flooding; significant allocations are required for flood mitigation. We have repeatedly raised the proposal to interconnect the Kithul and Rugam tanks to manage floods. Implementation has been slow, and there is no clear answer on feasibility. If we proceed with the Kithul–Rugam linkage, an additional 8,000–10,000 acres could be cultivated. Every year, large volumes are spilled from Kithul and Rugam; last year, over 85,000 cusecs were released, causing major floods and submerging many villages, necessitating heavy compensation.

¶ 07 There is also a looming drinking water crisis. People rely solely on the Unnichchai tank water supply. Therefore, to prevent floods, expand cultivation and avert a future drinking water crisis, we had expected the Kithul–Rugam scheme to be included in the Budget. I request that the relevant ministry take this forward soon.

¶ 08 Another cause of flooding is the reduced depth of the Batticaloa Lagoon, a renowned tourist attraction—famed as the land of “singing fish.” To develop tourism, the lagoon must be dredged and cleaned. The Kiraan bridge across the lagoon is now basically a sluice-like structure of small culverts; a proper bridge is needed. By deepening and cleaning the lagoon, reconstructing Kiraan Bridge properly, and implementing the Kithul–Rugam linkage, we can reduce recurrent flooding and avoid annual compensation burdens. Studies support these steps; I request the Government’s earnest consideration.

¶ 09 People in Paduvaankarai have endured multiple hardships—in war and disasters—and have lacked adequate facilities. The District economy depends mainly on agriculture, fisheries, and livestock. Despite resources, the District remains poor. Are there clear strategies and projects that utilize these resources nationally? That remains a question.

¶ 10 Through irrigation development—rehabilitating tanks and ensuring proper canal systems—we can improve cultivation. Fisheries issues are many. There is only one fishery harbour in the District despite our long coastline. We need additional harbours—at places like Valaichchenai, Vakarai, Kaluvanchikudy, Kaluvenkerni, and Arayampathy. I request the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources to study and establish these facilities and promote aquaculture.

¶ 11 There is no long-term plan to improve livestock production. Grazing lands exist, and there are hundreds of thousands of cattle, but seasonal access to pasture has been a problem for years. The Mayilathamadu–Mathavanai grazing land issue remains unresolved. If the new Government settles this with appropriate measures, we can expand livestock and milk production, contributing substantially to the economy.

¶ 12 Every year, during the monsoon, upland cultivation—vegetables and coconut—suffers flood damage, yet there is no established compensation mechanism. Recently, our upland vegetable growers faced severe flood losses and received no compensation. I request a dedicated solution via the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.

¶ 13 Being a coastal district with annual monsoon floods, upland farmers incur losses each time with no compensation framework. Our economy relies on agriculture, fisheries, and livestock, yet the one paper mill that once operated now functions only marginally. Despite repeated pleas, we see no firm Budget initiative to revive it. The President has proposed new industries to generate jobs and contribute to the economy, but for Batticaloa there are no such proposals—even to fully rehabilitate the previously functioning factory.

¶ 14 Our youth are compelled to go to the Middle East and elsewhere. We need industries within the District so they can work and live with their families. Advance planning should begin.

¶ 15 The Budget states that many projects in the Eastern Province will proceed with Indian assistance, but details are not given. Our people—who also voted for your party and elected your representatives—await clarity. We request firm commitments for Batticaloa’s development and economic advancement.

¶ 16 The Budget proposes recruiting 30,000 into essential Government cadres. In the Eastern Province, especially Batticaloa, many vacancies persist—in the health sector: doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, X-ray technicians, attendants—and elsewhere. While there are shortages nationally, some places are overstaffed and others badly understaffed. For example, ward nurses are severely lacking in Batticaloa hospitals. Services cannot be rendered properly under these conditions. In Paduvaankarai hospitals, shortages are worse; roads are poor, and even ambulances struggle to reach Eluvaankarai. We need to upgrade hospitals, ensure staffing, and repair patient access roads. The roads connecting Paduvaankarai and Eluvaankarai should be urgently rehabilitated. In recruiting the 30,000, prioritize Batticaloa.

¶ 17 In education, there are teacher shortages in Paduvaankarai and other zones—especially Kaluwanchikudy Zone. Address these urgently. Many graduates with Bachelor of Education degrees remain unappointed; please expedite their recruitment.

¶ 18 Hundreds of houses built under good governance remain incomplete. This year’s Budget includes many housing schemes, including with Chinese support, for low-income and affected families. Please use these to complete the pending houses.

¶ 19 I must highlight security. There have been incidents concerning the security of Members of Parliament. Through the Hon. Speaker, the Ministries of Defence and Public Security must prioritize this. MP security rests with the Hon. Speaker. Do not wait for something to happen and then respond; act proactively. As we near 100 days in office, this demands a firm decision—by the Minister of Public Security and the Hon. Speaker. Many unpleasant incidents against MPs have occurred in the past. With protection officers, such incidents might have been avoided. I request clear action. Thank you.