The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, I will focus on highways under this Supplementary Estimate. Several Members claimed the entire country is a worksite: highways, expressways, bridges, and culverts are being built. That is not what we see in our areas. In many places, the Government has not delivered visible development.

¶ 02 On iRoad: due to choices by certain contractors and their incapacity, many roadworks have stalled for years. Since you say attention and funds have now been allocated, please prioritize completing these. In my Yatiyantota electorate, about ten roads have been halted mid-way; similar situations exist across Kegalle District. Please complete them.

¶ 03 A failed past initiative is the “Laksha Mawatha” (Hundred Thousand Roads) program. Despite piling ABC, tar barrels, and materials at sites, hardly five percent of roads were completed; major wastage occurred. Even today, we can see abandoned materials with no roads completed. Please act on these stalled works too.

¶ 04 On transport: while I note the Minister and Deputy Minister’s efforts, remote and difficult areas still have very poor bus services. Buses there are often 20–30 years old, running on harsh terrain. High-end Chinese coaches are unsuitable for such roads; Indian Tata or Ashok Leyland buses are built to withstand rough conditions, and you can buy four or five smaller single-door buses for the price of one large coach. Please import appropriate small buses for narrow and hilly routes.

¶ 05 Finally, on tea: the Government and Sri Lanka Tea Board publicized a “record” charity auction in Japan at US$ 8,343 per kg. But in 2024, at BMICH, Avissawella Tea Factory sold a lot at US$ 8,655 per kg—the higher price. Give due recognition to Avissawella Tea Factory; correct the record with the Tea Board.

¶ 06 Thank you.