Special Focus to Be Given in Next Budget for Rural Roads, Drinking Water and Waste Management – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that special attention will be given in the next national budget toward improving rural road development, drinking water supply, and solid waste management issues.
The President made these remarks while participating in a special District Coordination Committee meeting held on Wednesday (20) at the Batticaloa District Secretariat.
During the meeting, President Dissanayake instructed public representatives and residents to jointly discuss and submit a detailed report regarding water supply projects required for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial purposes in the Batticaloa District. He further stated that officials, including the Chairman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, would be sent to the area for further discussions.
Until large-scale water supply projects are implemented, the President directed officials to take temporary emergency measures to address the immediate drinking water needs of the people.
He also assured that necessary financial allocations would be provided for all water supply projects already planned by the Water Supply Board.
Special attention was also given during the meeting to the progress of road and bridge construction projects within the district and the challenges faced in implementing them. The President instructed officials to commence construction work on all planned road projects within this year.
Land-related issues in the district, matters concerning grazing lands under the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and possible solutions were also extensively discussed. Attention was particularly drawn to the long-standing request to issue the gazette notification regarding the Mayilathamadu–Madhavanai grazing lands.
The meeting also focused on measures being taken to fully develop the Valaichchenai Harbour, considered a key center for the Eastern Province fishing industry, as well as the need to establish a lighthouse in the area.
In addition, discussions were held on flood control measures, projects aimed at reducing human-elephant conflict, and the progress of plans to improve healthcare facilities in the district.
The President also reviewed the progress of compensation programs for paddy lands damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, compensation for damaged houses, and the advancement of new housing projects.
Furthermore, extensive discussions were held regarding the implementation, progress, and challenges of the “Community Strength” program currently being carried out in the Batticaloa District.
