Hon. Speaker

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, we carry out development activities according to Environmental Impact Assessment reports, because the environment is essential to the people of this country. Therefore, work must be based on environmental reports. If not, the best example of subsequent disasters is Mattala. Today, in the Hambantota District the human–elephant conflict has worsened. When cultivation starts, all this becomes visible. Then the groups that did those projects rush there and give voice cuts. Therefore, we undertake any project only after obtaining environmental reports.

¶ 02 In that incident, they said a female environmental officer involved was connected to our political movement. But that is not true. What did these people say? They create a big narrative that a project was stopped because a single tree could not be removed — they create a “bye” narrative. Hon. Speaker, let me clarify. I investigated this. These are not even matters worth bringing up here, yet various narratives are being created.

¶ 03 Hon. Speaker, the entire project length is 378 kilometres. Out of a 37-kilometre section, development work for only a 200-metre stretch was halted for a few days because of that tree. That was a decision at that time; it was not our doing. Work continues on the rest of the kilometres. Regarding that 200-metre issue, the Cabinet later took a decision and work resumed. Even after removing that tree, the project continued. Every insult hurled by those doing “Beso 66” is a statement against the country’s environment — that is what is happening. Then when elephants encroach or die, they tell another story. What are they trying to do?

¶ 04 What we must say is this: this project could have been done under far more advantageous terms. However, due to fraudulent elements, corrupt reasons and the lack of professionalism at the time of signing, the people of Sri Lanka have had to pay an increased amount. Generally, when work could have been done at around Rs. 5.2 billion per kilometre at best, it has moved to Rs. 6.29 billion.

¶ 05 Hon. Speaker, going forward, we are discussing with China’s Exim Bank to further reduce this interest. We also expect to complete the Galagedara section of the Central Expressway by mid-2028, and the Rambukkana section by December 2026 or January 2027. We are presenting information about the Central Expressway because it is important to society; we have already commenced this work.

¶ 06 Hon. Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity.