The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha

¶ 01 Thank you for focusing on continuing the project we started in 2018. Hon. Deputy Minister, the access road to the Bingiriya EPZ runs from Dummalasuriya Thunthota Junction to Wathuchatta. In 2018 we initiated work to develop it in two phases. Land acquisition began, and on 2019.11.07 the BOI issued a cheque for Rs. 49.5537 million to the Divisional Secretary of Udubaddawa. That was roughly about 25% of compensation as per estimates. Now four years and three months have passed. My criticism is not of the Government, but of the administrative inefficiency and failure of the institutions and officers.

¶ 02 There are about 300 land lots for compensation, yet surveys are still incomplete. Residents even removed their walls and fences to allow road works, but institutions have not paid compensation. The Surveys Department must complete surveys, and then the Valuation Department must act. Progress has been very slow. Our Government issued the cheque to start; thereafter institutional sluggishness has been the problem. Investors need ready land and completed roads. After 4 years and 3 months, the main reason the road is not complete is failure to pay compensation and finalize acquisition. People cooperated without written undertakings, removing walls and fences. Please intervene, summon the officers, investigate these delays and expedite the work.