The Hon. (Prof.) A.-H.M.H. Abayarathna

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I will not answer the second part of the supplementary question as it does not relate to the main question. From the first part, the Member asked whether I can state a date to complete this. Hon. Speaker, even if we plan, for a construction task we cannot state a definite date due to various reasons, and the Member accepts that.

¶ 02 Initially, this building was planned as a two-storied structure. The Member said Rs. 65 million had been estimated for it. No. The original estimate was Rs. 37.188 million, of which Rs. 29.74 million was to be obtained from the Domestic Loan and Development Fund, and Rs. 7.43 million from the Municipal Council Fund. Thereafter, even after awarding the tender, a decision was taken to convert the two-storied building into a four-storied building. For the 8th variation to convert it to a four-storied building, an additional Rs. 13.51 million was added, bringing the total near Rs. 50 million. Subsequently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and price increases, it rose to Rs. 65 million. In my view, that was during your administration’s period. Now, even after spending around Rs. 70 million, the work has not been completed. Therefore, we have allocated Rs. 30 million this time to complete it. The work will be completed, but I cannot give a definite date. Additionally, there is a part where a recommendation from the Procurement Committee for the new additions has not been obtained. Hence, we can also see certain issues within the process.