The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, as we take up a Supplementary Estimate for Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, I note our Leader of the House once said during the Budget debate that our Government invests more than the private sector to drive development—we were pleased to hear that. Yet today’s Supplementary Estimate alters billions across numerous items within this Ministry.

¶ 02 At district coordination meetings we see many projects with progress at only 20%, 15%, 25%. This is a serious problem: regardless of what we plan and allocate in the Budget, if implementation and management are weak, we get no results. You have been in power for a year; with the next Budget due in November, at least next year you must allocate to clear priorities and execute accordingly.

¶ 03 Briefly, two points. First, regarding the no-confidence motion we supported against the then Chief Justice—some Members have spoken without facts. We led major protests inside and outside Parliament; some Members now speak without knowing the details, which is regrettable.

¶ 04 Second, when the Opposition Leader references your policy statement “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” and even turns to its first page, you should be pleased that he scrutinizes and holds you to account.