President Pledges Budget Focus on Rural Roads, Water, and Waste in Batticaloa

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that special priority will be given in the forthcoming national Budget to the development of rural roads, the provision of safe drinking water, and the resolution of waste management issues.

The President made these remarks while attending the Special District Coordination Committee Meeting at the Batticaloa District Secretariat.

During the meeting, President Dissanayake instructed public representatives and community members to work jointly in identifying the district’s water requirements and to submit a comprehensive report addressing drinking, irrigation, and industrial needs.

He further stated that officials, including the Chairman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, would be deployed to the area to conduct discussions and evaluate requirements.

The President also directed officials to implement immediate temporary measures to alleviate the drinking water difficulties currently faced by the public, until large-scale water supply projects are completed. He added that the Government would allocate the necessary funds for all projects that have already been planned by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.

Attention was also focused on infrastructure development, particularly the progress of road and bridge construction projects across the district. The President noted the challenges encountered in implementation and instructed officials to commence work on all planned road projects within this year.

Land-related issues in the district were discussed extensively, including problems stemming from cultivated lands located within wildlife zones and possible solutions to these concerns. The meeting also addressed a longstanding request by dairy farmers regarding access to the Mailaththamadu–Madhavanai grazing lands.

The development of the Valaichchenai Harbour, a key hub for the fishing industry in the Eastern Province, was also reviewed. Discussions included measures to fully upgrade the harbour and the need to establish a lighthouse facility.

The meeting further examined flood control preparedness in the district, alongside the progress and challenges associated with projects aimed at mitigating human-elephant conflict. Updates were also reviewed on initiatives to improve healthcare facilities in Batticaloa.

President Dissanayake inquired into the progress of compensation programmes related to cultivated lands damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, as well as compensation payments for damaged houses and the construction of new housing units. He instructed officials to expedite these activities.

Additionally, extensive discussions were held on the implementation and progress of the “Prajashakthi” programme within the Batticaloa District, including challenges encountered in carrying it forward.