The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir

¶ 01 In the debate on the Second Reading of the 2025 Budget presented by the National People’s Power Government, I am pleased to participate. The Government has presented many programmes intended for the benefit of the people. Notably, increased allocations have been made for the hill country and the Northern Province, for which I record my thanks.

¶ 02 I represent Ampara District in the Eastern Province—a large agricultural and fisheries region. The Eastern Province contributes significantly to national paddy production, including around 35% via the Senanayake Samudraya system. We need to ensure that water from Senanayake Samudraya is not wasted to the sea but used so that cultivation can be done in both seasons. I ask whether this Budget includes such programmes. Previously, three releases from Senanayake Samudraya caused additional harm to farmers; therefore, Government must put in place the necessary projects.

¶ 03 The Eastern Province spans roughly 10,000 square kilometres from Paanama to Pulmoddai. It must be harnessed for national revenue—especially via agriculture and fisheries. There are two ports: Trincomalee and Oluvil. Though Oluvil has both a commercial port and a fisheries harbour, both ports remain largely idle. The fisheries harbour has silted up and become inoperative, affecting over 15,000 families who depended on it. Coastal erosion is also hurting small-scale fisherfolk. I ask whether the Budget allocates funds to rectify these issues.

¶ 04 Large tracts of land are held by the Departments of Archaeology, Forest, Wildlife Conservation and the security forces, leaving them unavailable for cultivation. In Pottuvil, such lands obstruct agriculture. These lands should be returned promptly to rightful owners. Before the war, they were used by the public; during the war, they were abandoned and later gazetted as forests due to tree growth. The Government must de-gazette and release them to people, enabling more cultivation.

¶ 05 For years, we have heard of the Heda Oya drinking water project to provide potable water to Pottuvil, but work has not begun. Implementing it would benefit both tourists and local residents, who face drinking water shortages.

¶ 06 Freshwater fisheries are a livelihood for many in our area, with tanks playing a key role. Departments previously supplied fingerlings, but now in reduced quantities. If small tanks in Pottuvil are cleaned, freshwater fishing can be revived.

¶ 07 There are also infrastructure needs: roads in Sammanturai’s nearby villages—Nainakadu, Majeedpuram, Valathapitty—along with Navithanveli, Pottuvil, and Addalaichenai must be developed. Flood-damaged bridges—such as Mawadippalli and Kittangi—need rehabilitation. Many traveling from Colombo, Jaffna, and the South to Ampara rely on these crossings.

¶ 08 On health, though there are hospitals, internal needs are significant. Is funding allocated in this Budget to address those? Similarly, many national and provincial schools have buildings over 50–60 years old and need internal infrastructure.

¶ 09 Regarding the South Eastern University: for a long time, Governments have promised to establish a Faculty of Medicine, but it has not materialized. We expected it in this Budget, but it is absent. Our region is known for agriculture; therefore, I request that the University be given an Agriculture Faculty as well.

¶ 10 On tourism in the Eastern Province, transport must be improved. I request that the railway be extended from Batticaloa to Arugam Bay, and SLTB provide bus services from Batticaloa Station to Pottuvil for last-mile connectivity—buses can be supplied under the President’s programme. Considering the many tourism sites in our Province and additional Indian funding anticipated, I ask for additional allocations by combining those resources. Thank you.