INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged the relevant authorities to promptly address the issue of unauthorized constructions in the Ohia
area, spanning from Boralanda to Horton Plains.Noting the significant environmental degradation resulting from these illicit structures, the
President emphasized the need for immediate intervention to avert potential serious consequences in the future.President Wickremesinghe
conveyed these directives during his participation in the Special District Coordination Committee (DCC) meeting in Badulla District,
convened at the Auditorium of the Uva Provincial Library yesterday (16).Furthermore, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed officials
to communicate in writing with relevant institutions when approving building plans within the district
During the meeting, the President sought updates on the disaster relief program for those affected in Badulla district
He instructed officials to provide a comprehensive report on areas susceptible to future disasters.The meeting also addressed challenges in
resettling displaced individuals and the legal release of land from estate companies
President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for prompt discussions with plantation companies to overcome obstacles.In attendance were
political authorities of Badulla district along with government officials
The extensive discussion covered various issues in education, health, highways, and transportation within the district
The President took proactive measures to address and resolve some of the identified challenges.Additionally, discussions covered the
development plans slated for implementation in the Badulla district in 2024.President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined the vision for a
decentralized budget for districts starting next year
allocations, provincial council disbursements, and foreign aid projects
The President anticipates commencing these initiatives by July of the upcoming year.In further remarks, President Ranil Wickremesinghe
expressed his gratitude to all participants for their engagement in the discussion, despite it being on a Saturday
With the successful collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), development projects are set to recommence systematically
Acknowledgment from creditors, including the Paris Organization, India and China, has paved the way for renewed discussions and foreign aid
The President expects to provide updates on projects slated for immediate commencement in the early months of the coming year.The President
outlined the financial measures for development, emphasizing the allocation of funds from the 2024 budget
The President emphasized the need to initiate projects with dedication, acknowledging that while all projects cannot be launched in a single
year, a gradual commencement is anticipated with a focus on prioritized initiatives.Starting from the next fiscal year, the districts will
receive a decentralized budget based on the available number of seats
Additionally, the Upcountry program, aimed at supporting isolated mountain villages, has commenced, with each divisional secretariat
Plans are in place to incrementally increase this support.Financial allocations to provincial councils will contribute to the overall
funding available to each district
Capital expenditure at the ministry level, along with foreign aid-supported projects, will be integrated into the funding structure
President Wickremesinghe highlighted that this comprehensive approach, combining resources from various channels, aims to commence the work
by July 2024.President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed plans to establish committees at the provincial level, collaborating with district
These committees, comprising district chairpersons, members and officers, will oversee development activities in their respective divisional
Provincial Council projects will be initiated through the Governor, while Central Government projects will be managed by relevant
institutions.In addition, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the initiation of the agriculture modernization program, with active
participation from the private sector
A designated individual will be appointed to collaborate between the Ministry of Agriculture and the private sector
Furthermore, the transformation of Agrarian Services centres into modernization centres is in the pipeline.A significant initiative planned
for February involves the commencement of a program to grant freehold deeds to individuals holding licenses under the Land Development
The President anticipates substantial progress through these strategic measures.During the discussion, the President addressed various
issues, and here are some key concerns raised along with his responses:Question:
Attention has been drawn several times to the need for
an increase in the compensation provided for houses and buildings affected by calamities
President, is there any course of action that can be taken in this regard?Answer:
There are issues related to increasing the
Although it may not be feasible next year, I believe it can be increased in the next few years
However, we need a new plan
Another point that should be emphasized is: Who approves these housing plans? If this continues, action will be taken against both the
Municipal Council and the officer responsible
In the event of these constructions collapsing, the municipality will bear the financial burden
If plans are approved for construction, the related criteria should be provided in writing and acted upon accordingly
If all of them draw water from the stream, it will deplete the water supply
Therefore, I request that no construction be allowed in the Ohia area until we discuss and inform.If this situation persists, high-level
tourists will avoid coming to these areas
Additionally, another consequence is that the city and the area below will suffer from a lack of water taken from the river
Hence, I request not to permit construction in the area above Boralanda
In the Blackpool area as well, the region has been adversely affected by such informal constructionsQuestion:
The problems faced by the
people of Badulla due to the Uma Oya project have not yet been resolved
President, we request your intervention in this matter.Answer:
A comprehensive analysis of the impact of the Uma Oya project on the
Badulla district is essential
Uma Oya proposed redirecting the Mahaweli as per the plan, leading to various problems associated with the tunnel
To address these issues comprehensively, as mentioned earlier, a thorough analysis of the Badulla district is required.Question:
We
urgently request the expedited repair of the internal roads and drainage system in the Dikarawa area, which has been damaged by the Uma Oya
project.Answer:
Regrettably, due to the economic crisis faced by the country, the I Road project had to be halted
However, we are now prepared to resume the project
Consequently, we anticipate discussions on such projects and the commencement of related work.Ministers Nimal Siripalada Silva, Harin
Muzammil, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Badulla District Coordination Committee Major Sudarshan Denipitiya, Senior Advisor to the
President and Member of Parliament Vadivel Suresh, Chairman of the Uva Provincial Council A.M
Secretary Panduka Sri Prabhat Abeywardena, were also present at this occasion.--PMD--
