COLOMBO : Special Attention to be given in Upcoming Budget for Rural Roads, Drinking Water Supply and Waste Management
- Public Representatives Must Take the Lead in Resolving Batticaloa District’s Drinking Water Issue
- Measures Underway for the Full Development of Valaichchenai Harbour
- Commence Construction of All Planned Roads within This Year
- President Issues Directives at Batticaloa Special District Coordination Committee Meeting
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that special attention will be given in the forthcoming Budget towards the development of rural roads, the provision of drinking water, and resolving waste management issues.
The President made these remarks while attending the Special District Coordination Committee Meeting held this morning (20) at the Batticaloa District Secretariat.
During the meeting, President Dissanayake instructed public representatives and community members to jointly discuss and submit a report on the water supply projects required to meet the drinking, irrigation and industrial water needs of 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 to hold discussions on the matter.
The President also instructed officials to implement immediate temporary measures to address the drinking water issue faced by the public until the proposed large-scale projects are completed.
In addition, President Dissanayake stated that the Government would allocate the necessary funds for all projects planned thus far by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.
Special attention was also drawn to the progress of road and bridge construction projects in the district and the challenges encountered in their implementation. The President instructed officials to commence construction work on all planned roads within this year.
Extensive discussions were held regarding land-related issues in the district, problems arising in relation to cultivated lands located within wildlife zones and possible solutions to those matters. Attention was also drawn to the long-standing request of dairy farmers concerning the Mailaththamadu–Madhavanai grazing lands.
The meeting also discussed measures being taken to fully develop the Valaichchenai Harbour, which serves as a key centre for the fishing industry in the Eastern Province, including the need for a lighthouse facility.
