The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, while we debate two nationally important amendments/regulations under the Motor Traffic Act, allow me briefly to reflect on how development thinking evolved. Initially, people equated “advancement” only with economic growth—quantitative increase. Over time the world realized qualitative value must accompany quantitative growth. Sustainable development requires balancing environmental, social, and economic dimensions so present development does not compromise future generations’ needs.

¶ 02 In the past, governments focused on the economic side alone, avoiding socially and environmentally necessary but politically unpopular measures—cutting hilltops for hotels, building on riverbanks, blocking canals—labeling them “development,” pleasing people’s eyes while harming nature. In a few days of disaster, nature took back its due: about USD 4.1 billion, nearly 4% of GDP, lost within days.

¶ 03 Nature’s message is clear: if we only chase the economy, nature will set limits decisively. We must build a society that loves the environment and each other, creating humane Sri Lankans and a humane world. Even if not always popular, a responsible government must take the right decisions. These regulations we debate today are part of that philosophy. Some in the Opposition said they would support necessary but unpopular decisions; we hope they will stand by that in future as well.

¶ 04 On disaster response in Matale District: through the Road Development Authority (RDA), in 2025 we commenced 23 rural roads with about Rs. 7.7 billion; 10 completed, 12 ongoing, and one more to start next month. Despite the disaster, we pressed ahead.

¶ 05 In the disaster, 16 “AB” roads under RDA were damaged. Except for three—Ukuwela–Alukaduwawa, Ilukkumbura via Laggala, and Moragahakanda—others have been restored for transport. Ilukkumbura–Laggala is being rebuilt; an alternative exists for Moragahakanda; Ukuwela–Alukaduwawa will proceed to land acquisition and construction within the next month or so.

¶ 06 We also rapidly rebuilt the Rajjumana bridge within three days by combining the strength of the Army, public, business community, and local authorities. Opposition members later crossed that bridge to visit camps in Aandagala Udagama and question delays, though that access road had not been repaired for 40 years; we allocated Rs. 55 million last year and planned to start in December. Families affected since 2012 had not been resettled due to ignored directives then.

¶ 07 At Mattihakka–Raitalawa, a bridge collapsed; the Ambanganga Korale Pradeshiya Sabha is under Samagi Jana Balawegaya. Politics has no place in disaster relief. A Bailey bridge was sent a week prior by Minister Bimal Rathnayake—the first time an RDA bridge was allocated directly to a Pradeshiya Sabha—showing leadership focused on people.

¶ 08 Finally, even the Opposition Leader has not raised, in this House, the collapsed Kohogammillawatta bridge in his own Pradeshiya Sabha.

¶ 09 Thank you for the time.