Sajith accuses Govt. of failing North and East
COLOMBO – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises to address the long-standing problems faced by people in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, alleging that it had instead misled the public.
Premadasa made the remarks in Parliament on Friday (11), while seconding a private member’s motion moved by MP Nalin Bandara.
He alleged that the government was engaged in a “false propaganda campaign” across all nine provinces, while failing to address pressing issues affecting communities across the country.
Premadasa said discussions with MPs representing the Northern and Eastern Provinces had brought to light a number of unresolved concerns, ranging from shortcomings in education and healthcare to coastal erosion, land disputes and unemployment.
“The government has spent two years awake but idle,” he charged, alleging that the period had seen the rights of people in the North, East and across the country curtailed rather than strengthened.
Referring to issues raised by MPs, Premadasa said several schools in Maruthamadu, Nintavur, Kalmunai, Sainthamaruthu, Navithanveli and Sammanthurai were facing serious shortages of basic infrastructure.
He said concerns had also been raised over worsening coastal erosion in areas surrounding Oluvil Harbour, Thirukkovil and Kathiraveli, claiming that no effective government response had been forthcoming.
Premadasa further highlighted long-standing disputes concerning the Mayilaththamadu–Madawana grazing lands, saying requests submitted through district-level mechanisms had remained unresolved.
Hospitals in Thirukkovil, Panankadu and Navithanveli were also facing shortages of medical equipment and staff, he said.
The Opposition Leader further questioned the delay in commencing the Rugam-Kithul Reservoir project, claiming that foreign donors had expressed willingness to fund the initiative, which could bring around 26,000 acres of land under irrigation.
Premadasa also raised concerns over the decline of the Valaichchenai paper mill, which he said had once employed around 4,000 workers but now had a workforce of approximately 250.
He accused the government of failing to fulfil election-time pledges to revive industries and generate employment in the region.
Premadasa further alleged that illegal mineral-sand mining was taking place in coastal areas of the Batticaloa and Ampara districts, which are already vulnerable to coastal erosion. He also referred to reports of land disputes and alleged land grabs in the region.
He said the government, which had secured votes based on promises made to the people of the North and East, must take immediate steps to fulfil those commitments.
Referring to the Malwathu Oya project, Premadasa said authorities must ensure that its benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries. He called for a clear mechanism governing land allocation, compensation and relief to ensure that those entitled to assistance receive it.
-ENCL
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