The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I wish to raise an important irrigation matter: the Mundeni Aru Project. Introduced around 2017, by 2025 attention to it seems to be waning. The French Development Agency (AFD) had indicated readiness to support with about EUR 170 million as a concessional loan and grants. Yet the project appears to be slipping away.

¶ 02 Linking Urukamam and Kithul tanks under Mundeni Aru would expand cultivable area—about 25,000 acres could receive irrigation—benefiting farmers not only in Batticaloa but also Ampara. The Kithul–Urukamam tank zone lies by the Badulla Road and is at a higher elevation with potable water scarcity; improving the tanks could enable drinking water supply. It would also support inland fisheries. There is capacity to supply 12 minor tanks. It would also benefit the seed production farm at Karadianaru. The area has tourism potential too. Thus, like hitting many mangoes with one stone, implementing Mundeni Aru would yield multiple benefits. Please prioritize it.

¶ 03 AFD is willing to assist through grants and low-interest financing. Farmers and intellectuals in our area repeatedly urge that with AFD support the tanks can be upgraded to a quality irrigation scheme with long-term utility.

¶ 04 Historically, Sri Lanka pursued right-wing, capitalist policies to develop, with limited success. Now you bring a left-of-centre approach, aiming for equitable opportunities and balanced regional development. Mundeni Aru, linking Urukamam–Kithul, offers six types of benefits, dual-season irrigation for over 25,000 acres, and AFD support. Past delays occurred; please implement it to spark an agricultural renaissance. The public and even MPs of the ruling party from our districts have shown interest—some may not voice it due to party constraints, but we, in Opposition, urge action.

¶ 05 Next, land and livestock. In Mayilathamadu, our traditional cattle herders have practiced animal husbandry for decades. People from other districts have illegally settled there, affecting grazing lands. Courts have ordered their removal two or three times, in the interest of rule of law and communal harmony, but it has not been enforced. Past missteps are why the North and East voted for you this time. Therefore, please evict those illegally settled on the Mayilathamadu grazing lands in line with court rulings.

¶ 06 Farmers also struggle for fair guaranteed prices and timely compensation for losses. Fertilizer mismanagement in the past even led to regime change. Ensure timely fertilizer support, timely compensation, and development of tanks. In Kandyian Aru and Adaichakal tanks, though water accumulates, it ultimately drains wastefully to the sea; floods submerge entire areas. Capture floodwaters for agriculture and development, prevent wastage, mitigate floods, and implement suitable plans. I look forward to your responses.

¶ 07 Thank you.