The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Arugam Bay, Sarvodaya Puram, Pottuvil, and Whisky Point are key tourism zones that earn significant revenue for the country. Yet proper electricity is not supplied, and drinking water is provided only for two hours. Local people are facing many related problems, which affect national revenue. The arrival of Israeli visitors has increased, and a “Chabad House” religious establishment has been set up without any approval. Its activities must be regulated. These tourists also engage in business and other activities. While we maintain an open policy to promote tourism without disrupting ethnic harmony, order must be maintained.

¶ 03 In our area, the CEB office established in 1985 still operates in a rented building. After 40 years, the Government should construct a proper building on state land. Consumers should be able to pay their monthly bills at the Pottuvil CEB office. There are over 500 pending new connection applications; these should be expedited.

¶ 04 Land ownership documents should be issued promptly to landholders in our area engaged in the tourism sector. There are 300 hotels and 3,000 rooms, but due to lack of documentation, they cannot register with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Please resolve this. Also, in Arugam Bay, Pottuvil, and Whisky Point, access roads are poor and tourists struggle. The road at Kudakalliya and the road to “Light House” must be rehabilitated. When the RDA improves roads, electricity poles should not be left in the middle; we have repeatedly requested this, but we are asked to pay for pole relocation. Poles on roads such as the Navithanveli road and in front of Pottuvil Al-Irfan National School must be removed.

¶ 05 Finally, I request that the “Chabad House” operating in our area be closed, ethnic harmony ensured, and efforts taken to increase revenue.