The Hon. K. Kader Masthan

¶ 01 Many development projects have been halted. In the Vanni District alone, 38 school building projects remain incomplete. We managed to allocate special funds to start work on 14 of them, but those funds were recalled due to the election. These school buildings must be completed as students are suffering. Some tenders had already been called; delays may have been due to election-period errors rather than politics. Please ensure completion of these partially done projects with the allocated funds.

¶ 02 On higher education, the Vavuniya Campus, initially a campus of the University of Jaffna, was recently upgraded to the Vavuniya University. It needs many facilities. Given the good hospital in Vavuniya, we have long advocated a Medical Faculty there. Nothing is mentioned in this Budget about a Vavuniya University Medical Faculty. We strongly request its establishment and allocation of funds this time.

¶ 03 I appreciate the large allocations for roads, bridges and other projects in the Northern Province. However, do not repeat past mistakes—many roads and bridges were left half-done, reportedly due to the economic crisis. First identify and complete these with the current allocations. The Minister recently spoke of 1,200 km of roads and many bridges—commendable. The South has seen continuous development; the North, due to 30 years of war, has not. I thank the President and the Government for these allocations.

¶ 04 Although the war ended in 2009, resettlement remains inadequate. About 17,000 families in the North, East and border areas still need proper resettlement. Do not let this drag on; use your strong grassroots machinery to implement a time-bound plan—one to three years—to finish resettlement. Land allocation is hampered by interventions from the Forest and Wildlife Departments. Meanwhile, influential people grab acres and clear land, while a poor man is arrested for clearing even a small strip. Change this situation.

¶ 05 Release lands that are not dense forests as per post-1985 conditions. Many war-displaced have gone abroad and are willing to help rebuild if proper arrangements are made—please do so with Northern allocations. Provide housing for war-affected, build infrastructure, and complete resettlement fully. The planned 1,200 km of roads will bring much infrastructure.

¶ 06 Elephant conflict is severe. Forest status blocks even the siting of elephant fences. Using Budget funds, prioritize elephant fences in our areas and provide adequate compensation for losses due to wild elephants.

¶ 07 Develop the digital economy, reduce cash usage, and promote traceable digital payments to curb tax evasion—commendable. Allocations for children’s advancement, for students to study abroad after A/Levels, and for sports in Northern districts are welcome.

¶ 08 In the past, even amid an economic hit, Rs. 2,500 million was allocated for Northern resettlement; now it is only Rs. 1,500 million—insufficient. Given the President’s frequent visits and engagement in Jaffna, we expected at least Rs. 5,000 million. Please revise the allocation to Rs. 5,000 million for housing, infrastructure, and resettlement.

¶ 09 Tourism: The road from Puttalam to Mannar via Eluwankulam remains unopened though courts have not barred it. Opening it would cut about 82 km to reach Jaffna, saving fuel and vehicle wear. It seems blocked due to fears that some areas would benefit from development—this is where racism manifests. Please rehabilitate and open this road using tourism or road funds.