The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I will be brief.

¶ 02 In Batticaloa District, the bus depot faces a shortage of drivers. Please arrange new appointments for drivers. Many operating buses are very old; kindly take steps to provide new buses.

¶ 03 Regarding RDA: About 10 years ago, many were temporarily recruited under Road Development Authority programmes. They still have no permanent appointments. Please regularize them.

¶ 04 Another point: around level crossings, some guards are working for a salary of about Rs. 6,000. Please grant them a pay increase.

¶ 05 In 1985, during the Batticaloa Valaiyiravu (Valachchenai) airport expansion, five villages—Valaiyiravu, Thirupperunthurai, Chettukuda, Pudur, Thimilativu—were cleared; around 300 families were displaced. In 1997, they were reportedly given alternative lands, but to date no deeds have been issued. Without deeds, they cannot assert ownership, obtain loans, bequeath to heirs, or claim school admission points that require proof of ownership. They suffer as a result.

¶ 06 Moreover, during the airport expansion, the road that ran through the middle was closed. People who once travelled 400 metres now must travel about 2.5 km via eight bends, increasing accident risk. Since 2009, there have been no explosions or shootings there. If the central road cannot be reopened, at least open the road along the airport fence. If opened, people could travel much more easily.

¶ 07 Finally, please regularize the RDA temporary appointees and address the shortage of bus drivers. Level crossing staff receive only about Rs. 6,000 though some have worked nearly 15 years; please provide relief. Also, repair the road along the Batticaloa Valaiyiravu airport fence. Thank you.