The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen

¶ 01 In the debate on these two key Ministries, I note that nothing was said in the Budget about Oluvil Port established under the then Ports and Development Ministry. This port has yielded no benefits to local people or fishermen. Though the Fisheries Ministry said it would take it over and work with private companies, nothing has been implemented. What is the new Government’s position? Please clarify.

¶ 02 Two bridges require urgent rehabilitation in Ampara: Kittangip Bridge and Mavadippalli Bridge. Please include at least in the next Budget. The alternative road for Mavadippalli–Kalmunai was initiated but halted; due to lack of elevation works, villages like Poliveriyan face severe flooding. Please resume that road. Also, the Thikavapi road through Oluvil Ashraff Nagar should be completed in concrete or carpet.

¶ 03 In Mannar, an important RDA road used by thousands remains unimproved despite being only 2.5 km from the railway. Include it. On Murungan–Silavathurai road, only the first 6 km are being rehabilitated; from 6–15 km no works—please include that section.

¶ 04 For Vattuvagal, Rs. 1,000 million has been allocated in this Budget; thank you. But the estimate is Rs. 2,750 million. If the balance is assured, tenders can be called—please proceed.

¶ 05 On the Vavuniya–Mannar road, much was repaired under iRoad, but 3.5 km at Paraiyanalankulam stopped mid-way though funds remain—please complete. The Weli Kulam–Mamadu road (Pradeshiya Sabha) remains unrestored. Also, on the Neeriyakulam–Nelukkulam RDA road, at km 12 a small bridge floods during rains; please include it urgently.

¶ 06 About 100,000 displaced people moved to Puttalam; roads in those camp areas remain in such poor state that even three-wheelers cannot ply. Earlier, Rs. 150 million was allocated for emergency repairs, but after a new circular the funds were withdrawn. The DCC Chairman cannot proceed. Hon. Minister, estimates exist—please release funds and proceed.

¶ 07 Talaimannar is an international island. Wind power and mineral sand extraction occur, but when the Rameswaram–Talaimannar ferry operated, Talaimannar was an economic hub. Now Indian fishing incursions have hurt local incomes. Restart the Rameswaram–Talaimannar ferry. The jetty rehabilitation tender was called earlier and Budgeted, but no work commenced. If Sri Lanka cannot fund it, please discuss with India and rehabilitate it during your tenure.

¶ 08 On the Mannar–Puttalam road, from Mannar to Marichchukkaddi and from Puttalam to Eluwankulam, carpet works are blocked by litigation from some racist elements; courts only temporarily restrained carpeting, not motorable gravel. Making it motorable would cut 100 km between Mannar and Puttalam and boost the regional economy. Only a small section traverses wildlife land; this is a century-old northern route. When it was opened during my tenure, people used it until it was closed again under President Gotabaya. No court ordered a closure; only permanent carpeting was restrained. Please coordinate with the AG’s Department and Environment Ministry to at least open it for traffic.

¶ 09 Also, please consider linking the Kurunegala–Kandy expressway via BOT to northern and eastern routes—Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Pasikudah, Arugam Bay—to boost tourism. No need for Treasury funds; use BOT with foreign governments or companies, as many countries do. In the past, Qatar offered major investment and an expressway between Katunayake and Kalpitiya via BOT; it was not pursued. Explore such options now.

¶ 10 On housing, during Sajith Premadasa’s tenure as Minister, many houses in Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and across the North and East were half-built. After the change of government under Gotabaya, not a rupee was released to complete them. Do not repeat that. Whatever one’s politics, these are houses for poor Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhala families—please fund completion. In Silavathurai, a Cultural Hall is 20% complete; 80% remains. I gave you the estimate. If Treasury funds are tight, secure ERD financing—UDA’s DG knows the case. Otherwise, money already spent will be wasted.

¶ 11 Railways must be modernized—look at India’s example. SLTB runs at a loss while private buses operate profitably; operators who had one bus now own ten. Please bring reforms. Thank you.