The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu

¶ 01 [3.53 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I thank you for the opportunity to speak in this maiden Budget debate of the National People’s Power.

¶ 03 The Government’s Budget includes plans to strengthen the national economy through rural economic development, with significant allocations for education, health, and agriculture. We expect to implement these efficiently with public participation. We intend to channel these allocations through ministries to address sectoral development in Batticaloa District, bringing forward the district’s needs.

¶ 04 We will prioritize: - Basic facilities in Batticaloa, especially hospital rehabilitation through local authorities. - Addressing shortages in libraries and basic infrastructure. - Supporting over 37 registered preschools: resolving teacher honoraria and shortages, which previous governments neglected despite grievances raised publicly.

¶ 05 On human-elephant conflict: we propose electric fences over about 83 km across 15 GN divisions, including Kiran, Vakarai, and Chengaladi, and seek timely funds to execute this.

¶ 06 On coconut development: 288 acres under the Coconut Development Board in Batticaloa have produced 380,154 seedlings in recent years, with 153,500 distributed on subsidy and 45,200 sold. Private coastal plantations suffered due to past bans/shortages of fertilizer and agrochemicals. We propose expanding production, leasing unused State lands, and encouraging investors through the relevant ministry.

¶ 07 On health: to strengthen free rural health services, we will request basic infrastructure, staffing, equipment, and expanded mortuary facilities for Valachchenai Base Hospital, Chengaladi District Hospital, Eravur Base Hospital, Kaluwanchikudy Base Hospital, and Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.

¶ 08 On agriculture: beyond paddy, we will develop other grains. Batticaloa has 72 perennial tanks (21 currently in use) and 222 seasonal tanks. We will rehabilitate disused tanks, expand government-land grain cultivation, and promote freshwater aquaculture. The Mahaweli Authority is already providing boats and equipment as livelihood support to selected beneficiaries; we hope to extend benefits to border villages in Kiran, Chengaladi, Valachchenai, Vakarai, and Ottamavadi.

¶ 09 On social protection: 29 children’s homes in Vakarai, Valachchenai, Eravur, Chengaladi, Batticaloa, Kaluwanchikudy, and Vellavely care for 412 girls and 255 boys. We will ensure enhanced monthly allowances reach them and identify vulnerable families needing housing.

¶ 10 Through the Aswesuma empowerment program, we will initiate small tourism-related enterprises and employment projects, and at village level promote weaving/handloom and basic entrepreneurship.

¶ 11 On transport: we have begun rural bus services via Batticaloa, Eravur, and Kaluwanchikudy roads to facilitate villagers and officials traveling to remote areas, and plan to expand intercity and air-conditioned services.

¶ 12 On disaster recovery: recent floods damaged roads/bridges in Kiran, Vellavely, Vavunativu, and Pattipalai, disrupting transport. With local authorities and the Road Development Authority, emergency repairs were done. In 2023–2024, about Rs. 11,480 million was spent on Batticaloa road and bridge development. However, recurring disasters cause repeated damage. We urge proper feasibility, supervision, quality control, and accountability among officials, contractors, and allocating politicians, with all projects routed through the District and Divisional Development Committees with public input.

¶ 13 On environment and livelihoods: we will protect and expand mangroves around Batticaloa Lagoon, curb illegal destruction, plant mangroves, and encourage investors in shrimp aquaculture, extending benefits to interested local beneficiaries.

¶ 14 Through this Budget and with Indian Government financial support, development projects will bring double benefits to the Eastern Province. Let us unite to build a prosperous nation. Thank you.