The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, before my main remarks, I will clarify issues raised about hydrated lime. Three points were made: that SLS standards were changed at our request; in fact, on 2024.04.17, the then General Manager of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board requested revisions on certain chemicals used in purification—mainly manganese. The SLSI commenced a public consultation from 26 July to 24 September 2024, after which changes were made. There is no linkage between the contested hydrated lime and the standards revision.

¶ 02 The tender for hydrated lime was called on 2024.05.01 and awarded on 2024.07.31—before we assumed office and before the new Chairman was appointed. Thus, no special connection exists. The first consignment was delivered on 2024.12.13 but was rejected as it did not meet tender specifications; it has been stockpiled and must be taken back and replaced to spec, or refunded. No substandard hydrated lime has been used for water purification. Variations in test results occur because hydrated lime is derived from natural limestone deposits with varying composition; hence each batch is tested for compliance.

¶ 03 Regarding numerical standards: there are differences between limits set for chromium per kilogram of hydrated lime and limits for chromium in treated water in different countries—leading to numeric differences; that concludes my clarification.

¶ 04 Hon. D.V. Chanaka: I did not question your connections; I only said, do not raise chromium content as it is carcinogenic. You cited New Zealand at 150 mg/kg; this is wrong as per the document I tabled. Also, ISO changes were on 2025.01.21 after you took office; please correct.

¶ 05 Hon. Chairman, on urban development and planning, consistent with global practice, we emphasize sustainability—green buildings, eco‑friendly transport, renewable energy, smart cities, mixed‑use development, technology and data‑driven planning, efficient mobility, integrated residential/commercial/public spaces, and urban green areas for mental health, biodiversity, and air quality. We also address preventing displacement of low‑income communities and promote social equity.

¶ 06 As a government, we will shape urban and rural planning accordingly. As the State Minister of Finance noted, Rs. 180.9 billion is allocated for these subject areas in 2025—from Treasury, foreign loans/grants, and self‑generated funds. Of this, Rs. 175.3 billion is capital, showing a development focus.

¶ 07 Within our Ministry’s Votes, 96.9 percent is capital: Rs. 108.7 billion for potable water, Rs. 39.2 billion for housing and construction, Rs. 24.5 billion for urban development, and Rs. 8.5 billion for solid waste management—enhancing services and infrastructure.

¶ 08 In 2025, under the Clean Sri Lanka Programme, we will initiate city branding in selected cities—Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kataragama, Kandy, Ella, Colombo Fort, and Trincomalee—with Rs. 500 million. City branding considers a city’s identity—history, cultural diversity, icons (e.g., Eiffel Tower for Paris), and long‑term economic, tourism, and business positioning.

¶ 09 On housing, annual need is about 80,000–100,000; from 2012–2022, need rose 11.9 percent while supply rose 9.5 percent. In Colombo, need rose 10 percent, but supply at 7.4 percent, indicating lag. Hence we allocate Rs. 39.2 billion this year through multiple funds.

¶ 10 Three agencies implement housing: National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) will direct significant funds, including Rs. 3,054 million for low‑income. There are 45,117 incomplete houses begun mainly in 2015–2019—some at foundation, some up to window level, few with roofs. While we cannot finish all this year, the Rs. 3,054 million will be used largely as assistance—both to complete part of these and to support new houses.

¶ 11 As an example, in Hambantota, 333 model village projects were started; 269 loan‑based, 64 grant‑based (50 Indian, 14 under “Shrama Shakthi”). Only 83 of the 269 were opened; from Indian assistance, only one village opened; from Shrama Shakthi’s 14, only one opened—showing much fanfare but limited delivery.

¶ 12 Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi highlighted the Weeraketiya, Naigala housing scheme of 255 families lacking water. NWSDB cannot supply due to pressure constraints; such projects must plan utilities. Without planning, beneficiaries suffer. For Naigala, while NWSDB cannot connect now, a tube well‑based scheme is possible—we will act accordingly.

¶ 13 We will also engage the UDA and the Urban Settlements Development Authority (USDA) and, where needed, the private sector to revive stalled housing projects across several provinces; plans are already prepared and discussed with NHDA and relevant agencies.

¶ 14 On water supply, we intend to spend about Rs. 109 billion to meet potable water needs, restarting stalled projects. For example, Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project will get Rs. 6,432 million this year to add 67,000 new connections.

¶ 15 We are also addressing flooding and solid waste. Many cities flood due to stormwater, not just river overflow. We plan to prevent illegal construction, establish retention areas, and manage stormwater so that one‑third is retained, one‑third infiltrates, and one‑third is discharged to rivers/canals/sea; Rs. 700 million is planned through the Land Reclamation and Development Corporation.

¶ 16 Across all agencies under our Ministry, we will utilize the allocated funds effectively this year, with thanks to our Secretary, Additional Secretaries, Directors, Heads of Institutions, and all officials. We aim to fully expend our allocations and end the year with the satisfaction of having met our mandate, with the cooperation of all Members of this House.

¶ 17 Thank you.