The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Member offered views rather than a direct question. He earlier tried to cite human rights groups claiming Sri Lanka does not treat estate workers properly. Some groups build such narratives on selective reports. We are working to correct those.

¶ 02 As my answers show, in the past year and a half the new Government has done much: increased wages; advanced housing; and, I believe you will accept, granted the largest number of housing titles in history under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake—last year, 2,026 houses in Bandarawela under Indian assistance, with over 90% of land work completed and construction underway. This year, nearly another 1,000 houses will be received. Against the Ditwah damages over 500 houses can be built under current figures.

¶ 03 On land rights, we increased the original 7 perches to 10 perches. In the central highlands, NBRO identifies safe land as a challenge, and freeing plantation lands is also difficult due to historic agreements. Nevertheless, through discussions with companies, we have accelerated land release and housing, particularly in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Badulla, Matale, Ratnapura, and Kegalle where most land is under plantations.

¶ 04 Following the disaster, the President convened District Coordinating Committees thrice in Badulla, and visited Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Matale, resolving issues with special focus. We are confident we can resolve the outstanding issues promptly.