The Hon. Kins Nelson

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, my first supplementary question is this.

¶ 02 Hon. Minister, the foundation stone for the new Kaduruwela market complex was laid in 2022. At that time, an estimate of Rs. 65 million had been prepared. The Municipal Council has spent more than Rs. 70 million, and the plan was to commence this as a central market complex in the middle of the city. By now, a large amount has been spent. However, the market complex has remained closed for some time. As you said, we expect it to be opened quickly. I would like to know whether there is a definite date to open it and hand it over to the public.

¶ 03 Also, although it is not directly related to this question, I wish to make a proposal. In the Budget Speech, the President said decentralized funds would be provided equally to all. After releasing decentralized funds, a circular was issued requiring a minimum project value of Rs. 500,000 to be eligible. Hon. Speaker, a new amendment has now been introduced. The relevant Government Agents are not aware of it. Our MPs have already submitted proposals solely for this. Under the new amendment, proposals with a minimum project value of Rs. 200,000 can also be submitted under decentralized funds. But when we speak to District Secretaries, they are not aware of this, Hon. Speaker. Therefore, I propose that the relevant District Secretaries as well as the Chairpersons of the District Coordinating Committees be made aware. Ultimately, the Chairperson of the DCC approves these. So, rather than allowing them to handle this as they please, responsibilities should be assigned to the District Secretaries to implement these correctly. I place this proposal before the House.