The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 Today we debate the Supplementary Estimate under Head 117 presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation. Simply put, a supplementary estimate is a provision Parliament approves to reallocate or seek funds through the Minister of Finance within the financial year when the voted allocation is insufficient or when savings arise before year-end to continue priority work.

¶ 03 Commonly, when savings occur, they are sent back to the Treasury and fresh allocations are made the next year. But thinking prudently, we considered: if we can apply these savings now toward future debt interest and amortization due, we can gain substantial benefit. Why? First, paying upcoming installments and interest reduces our debt burden. Second, the Opposition often asks why we cannot renegotiate lower interest on better terms. To do so, we must restore international credibility. Meeting obligations early builds that confidence.

¶ 04 An opposition MP just claimed that while we talk of work here, nothing happens in their villages. I will not speak for other districts, but let me share Matale District. We have started carpeting 25 rural roads long neglected; work on 15 is ongoing and the remainder will start before month-end. We have initiated steps for a new parking facility to ease congestion at Riverston, a key tourist spot. The Matale–Galewela 30 km stretch typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours due to congestion; we have resolved to complete improvements in phases by end-2026.