The Hon. S.M. Marikkar

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, we are debating the proposal to reallocate Rs. 36.609 billion via a Supplementary Estimate for debt servicing under the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation.

¶ 02 The Minister outlined reasons—foreign financiers not disbursing, over-budgeting, delays or cancellations. But while this Ministry has much to do, a large sum is being sent early to settle debt. In the Colombo metropolitan area, about 3000 bottlenecks have been identified for improvement. The elevated highway access works are not complete; why? The Rajagiriya–Nawala–Kirimanthaluwa road widening has not begun. What steps are taken for the bottleneck near the Buthgamuwa bridge? Why can’t we start with domestic funds? From Akuregoda army HQ towards Malabe–Athurugiriya road, severe congestion exists—are there plans for widening? On Baseline Road from Kirulapone Junction to Kohuwala, compensation has been paid; if the flyover is not feasible, at least proceed with widening. Instead, we are sending back Rs. 36,609 million. With roughly Rs. 10 million per km for rural carpeting, that sum could build 3,600 km—benefiting bus owners, asphalt suppliers, small businesses. This is lost opportunity.

¶ 03 On Kankesanthurai Port: India is offering about USD 63.5 million. Why are we not proceeding? The SLPA Chairman could not give me a straight answer. This harms our integration with South India’s market, which is huge. Are we still viewing the world with a closed mindset?

¶ 04 On BIA Terminal 2: The Minister himself said not opening Phase 2 was one of the worst acts, costing an extra Rs. 55 billion and delaying completion to December 2028. Appoint a special commission and punish those responsible.

¶ 05 Tourism earned USD 2.38 billion Jan–Aug this year, up from USD 2.2 billion last year—USD 100 million higher. To attract high-end tourists and business travelers, we must act. In May 2003, Parliament restricted airspace over the Complex due to war. Today, planes fly over the Pentagon at 30,000 feet and London City has a shorter runway than Ratmalana. Why is our airspace not open accordingly? This could increase tourist arrivals and revenue.

¶ 06 The President says repeatedly: “We give enough money, but output is lacking.” Is this incompetence, poor planning, or inefficiency? Please act.

¶ 07 Another matter: During the previous Government, duty was imposed on crude palm oil imports, and VAT and other taxes applied on bottled sales. Six companies, from January to October last year, failed to pay near Rs. 5 billion in taxes. The PM admitted on 05.02.2025 that Inland Revenue had said it must be collected; I tabled documents. Yet it has not been collected to date. Either crude oil was bottled and sold without proper processing—creating health risks—or the taxes due, now over Rs. 10 billion with time, are not collected. Is someone taking commissions? Or being protected? Collecting this would help reduce the Budget deficit. I can give the Minister copies, including the Hansard.

¶ 08 On the new “residential visa” for $100,000 investors: Please ensure the dollars truly come from abroad, not recycled local rupees. Diaspora Sri Lankans could bring significant funds if given tangible incentives—reduced tax on a vehicle, stamp duty waivers on an apartment purchase, or multiple-entry resident visas. We need fresh dollar inflows as FDI attraction remains weak.

¶ 09 Debt has risen from USD 93 billion when you took office to about USD 105 billion—an increase of USD 12 billion, including about USD 14–15 billion restructured to bondholders, with reserves around USD 6.2 billion. For next year’s debt service and to grow reserves, new dollar earnings from construction, tourism and investments are essential. If ideology blocks investment, adopt practical measures.

¶ 10 Please, in the next Budget, properly assess feasible projects and loan prospects to avoid future Supplementary Estimates like this.