Hon. K. Ilankumaran

¶ 01 Development works are proceeding rapidly. We began our development activities only five months ago, and today major projects are underway in the North. The Vattuvagal bridge, damaged by the war and left as it was for 16 years after the war ended, is now being urgently rehabilitated with funds released by the Government. The Ministry’s estimated amount for that bridge has been awarded to the lowest bidders, showing that we carry out development without corruption. Every development project we undertake is geared toward genuine progress.

¶ 02 We have also commenced initial works to rehabilitate the jetty at Nainativu in the Northern Province. As a first step, we are converting the existing single-lane road there into a two-lane road, because a large number of tourists visit the island.

¶ 03 However, our Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation has focused only on Jaffna on the mainland, neglecting the island areas of the North. People in the islands must cross the sea to purchase goods, and they end up paying higher prices than in Jaffna. Our goal is to ensure uniform prices for goods across Sri Lanka. In that regard, our Government has started a fuel filling station in Neduntivu. For the past five months, development has continued steadily. Our Government has completed its first year and begun the second, yet many criticize us. We are implementing development without corruption.

¶ 04 Consider roads previously rehabilitated. For example, the Maruthankerny–Paruthithurai road rehabilitated during the Good Governance Government began to fail even while further works were ongoing, and an inquiry is underway. Those now in the Opposition did such development. That road must be redone. The Paranthan–Poonakary road is also damaged and we intend to rehabilitate it.

¶ 05 Going forward, our development will advance the North and the entire country. Matters promised in our policy statement for the Northern Province will be fulfilled. We have been doing development only for five months. Some claim no funds are released for the East. Responding to our Batticaloa District MP, the Government has decided to allocate increased funds for the East in the next Budget. In the coming period, development in all areas of the North and East will accelerate, especially as in the second year we will have gained experience. We will further advance development in the North and East. I take my leave. Thank you.