The Hon. Thanura Dissanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, speaking on the Supplementary Sum for the Ministry of Transport and Highways.

¶ 02 Our transport and highways systems are vital, but we have far to go. Public transport—especially rail—has long suffered from inefficiency, unreliability and poor facilities, despite much spending over the years. Many projects were abandoned at the crisis point when we took office. Even with Budget allocations, we had to renegotiate halted foreign-financed projects that lenders were unwilling to restart quickly.

¶ 03 For example, the Gatambe and Kohuwala flyovers (Hungarian financing) require both foreign and domestic funds; but despite domestic allocations, lenders paused, and restarting negotiations takes time. Hence the need to reallocate unspent provisions to projects that can proceed now.

¶ 04 On rail: many commuters rely on it, and it has a proud history, but systemic modernization has lagged. We are moving procurement for five new DEMU sets. We will also improve passenger comfort—fans, lighting, sanitation. We are procuring 5,000 fans and upgrading toilets. Track renewal is overdue; coastal tracks corrode quickly. We plan to import 12,000 rails.

¶ 05 Locomotive cabs need air-conditioning; we have initiated procurement to retrofit driver cabins. At Ratmalana Workshops, working conditions will be improved.

¶ 06 Some trivialize the “Dream Destination” programme and our bus terminal and station upgrades (e.g., Pettah Central Bus Stand and Fort). This is not mere painting; it is comprehensive modernization to global standards, benefitting daily users—something past rulers neglected while enjoying privileges.

¶ 07 Today is 8 October—“Che Day.” As a symbol of service and humanism, Che inspires youth. To rebuild the country—including the transport sector—we need leadership and officials who eschew privilege and work selflessly for the public. Only then can we achieve efficient, people-friendly transport. I conclude with that call.