The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan

¶ 01 Question by Private Notice: Construction Work of Playgrounds in Mannar District.

¶ 02 Mr. Speaker, under Standing Order 27(2), thank you for permitting me to question the Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

¶ 03 In three villages in Mannar District—Pallimunai, Emilnagar, and Naruvilikulam—funds were allocated for playground construction, but works have not proceeded, raising suspicions of corruption.

¶ 04 1) Pallimunai St. Lucia Playground: Initiated under Northern Provincial Ministry of Urban Development in 2013. Stage 1 earthfilling completed; pavilion construction and turf laying failed. Rs. 51 million allocated in 2022 for Stage 3 was unutilized and has been returned.

¶ 05 2) Emilnagar Playground: About Rs. 49 million reportedly spent for sand filling, drainage, and pavilion; works are said to be completed, yet no work has taken place. Funds appear spent without progress. I urge immediate Ministry attention and action.

¶ 06 3) Naruvilikulam Playground: Status report indicates swimming pool, indoor stadium and pavilion, 400m track and outdoor works at 60%, 27%, and 90% respectively. Of the allocation of Rs. 374.707 million, Rs. 143.7 million is said to be spent. Please focus on this and complete the works.

¶ 07 4) Under the School Cricket Development Programme, seven side-wicket constructions and five school ground development projects were approved. While seven side-wickets are 90% complete, several school ground works remain incomplete for various reasons. I request the Minister to ensure allocated funds are reissued and works are completed.