The Hon. Ravindra Bandara

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, I thank the Deputy Minister for his remarks, and all Hon. Members who contributed. Hon. Archchuna raised valuable points. Let me add: in the current Budget, the President has directed that allocated funds must not lapse back to the Treasury; all development projects must be completed within the year.

¶ 02 On rural road rehabilitation and improvements, Rs. 7,500 million has been allocated—Rs. 4,500 million to the Northern Province and Rs. 3,000 million to other provinces—demonstrating priority to the North. For rural bridges, Rs. 1,500 million total—Rs. 500 million for the North and Rs. 1,000 million for others. Additionally, Rs. 1,000 million is allocated for the Mullaitivu–Vaddavadukkal bridge.

¶ 03 On buses and electrification, many have spoken. Around the world, buses now operate even driverless in places. Our focus is to define our requirements clearly—fit-for-purpose buses for urban and for rural/hill routes—regardless of brand, and to set specifications as a Government.

¶ 04 On domestic production: Sri Lanka once had a bus works at Kahagolla in Haputale; we can again produce buses—and even other vehicles—suited to our conditions. Cultural fads about flashy lights in buses should give way to songs about safe, comfortable travel. Also, private bus crews face daily revenue targets, which create pressure and poor practices; the Government must consider these realities when reforming.

¶ 05 As the Deputy Minister noted, Rs. 3,000 million is allocated to purchase 100 low-floor buses, and a further 200 buses are proposed. I am confident all, across party lines, agree on building a good public transport system. Thank you to all who helped pass this Motion.

¶ 06 Question put, and agreed to.