The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Thank you for the time to speak on the Supplementary Allocation under the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation. This is not money outside the Budget; it is the reallocation of already-appropriated funds to different purposes. This reflects transparency and sound financial management—using a proposal to redirect funds when certain projects cannot proceed by year-end.

¶ 02 Public perception has long painted this Ministry as a haven for corruption. We are changing that—reorienting it to be methodical and responsive to people’s needs. Problems remain; services often fall short. But correctly identifying issues and seeking solutions is commendable.

¶ 03 This debate is an opportunity to suggest how the Ministry can be more people-centric and efficient. The economic crisis stemmed significantly from weaknesses in financial management, project selection and conditions, and decisions taken for private or corrupt reasons. Many projects stalled or were trapped; we had to allocate funds to close or complete them. This is a less-discussed facet of the crisis. With this Supplementary allocation, we aim to conclude such projects with minimal harm to the country and people.

¶ 04 On transport, public transport is crucial for safety and efficiency, and particularly for children, women, elders, and persons with disabilities. We value steps to ensure accessibility.

¶ 05 The Education Ministry has presented proposals to Transport. Improving education includes ensuring access—upgrading roads to schools and public transport quality and safety. We have begun discussions with Transport on identifying remote schools, access routes, needed services, and regulating minimum safety and quality standards for school transport.

¶ 06 In the past, SLTB drivers and conductors took pride in protecting passengers, not only in driving. We need that attitudinal shift again—responsibility, dedication, and sensitivity to passengers. We must also ensure sanitation and facilities for elders and disabled persons at stations and on trains. Projects to improve stations are underway; I urge special attention to the needs of children, women, elders, and persons with disabilities.

¶ 07 Transport and highways are not merely concrete and wheels; they are close to people, sensitive to rights. We ask officials to develop services with this in mind.

¶ 08 As for internal party discussions and decisions, gossip does not require responses. Every Parliament needs some who provide comic relief; we can enjoy it without replying.

¶ 09 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.