The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing to increase the government contribution from Rs. 650,000/- to Rs 1,000,000/-, per housing unit being built under the ‘A house for you—a tomorrow for the country’ housing program initiated by the government.

The ‘ A house for you – a tomorrow for the country’ programme  is being implemented with the objective of reducing the housing issue of the poor or low-income families and the poverty associated thereto. Under this program, a low-income-earning family from every Grama Niladhari division is selected on a priority basis and offered aid for the construction /upgrading of their dwelling house with a minimum area of 550 square feet. When the programme was first introduced the estimated cost per house was Rs. 1,147,000/- of which the government contributed Rs650,000/-. But the cost has increased to Rs 1,764,000/-  at present, and as the selected beneficiaries are unable to bear the increased cost,  the government has decided to increase its contribution to Rs 1,000,000/-

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism to perform  a feasibility study of  the possibility of initiating a boat service between  Puttalam- Colombo Fort, Colombo Fort-Galle, and Galle-Matara and also  develop water ways such as the Hamilton Canal, Bere Wewa, Diyawanna Oya, and Madu Gaga and to implement the proposed project as a public private partnership program based on the results of the feasibility study.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that while the opposition views the upcoming election as just another attempt to gain power, for the government, it is an opportunity to ensure that the allocations of public funds to reach rural communities without corruption.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on Monday   (April 21) afternoon while addressing a public gathering held in the Maligawatte division of the Colombo Central electorate.

Speaking at the public gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further noted:

“Our government has already commenced it’s work. We presented our first budget, which covers the next eight months. Our goal is to bring some relief and development to the people who have suffered for years, and to develop the rural economy.

Those who are seeking to criticize the current government do not initiate in addressing the extensive financial mismanagement of previous governments.

We are managing public finances with the utmost prudence and are committed to undertaking development projects in the best interest of the people. To ensure these initiatives are successfully implemented at the grassroots level, we require clean and capable local leadership.

Therefore, this election is extremely decisive. This election has been delayed for so long. Our foremost task is to resume and complete development projects that were abandoned by previous administrations, and to rectify the errors they have left behind.

The current government considers and conscious about every rupee it spends. If there are thieves at the local level when sending allocated public funds to villages, how can we develop them? Let us treat the people’s decision to steer the country in the right direction as the third major challenge, and on May 6, achieve a victory similar to past elections.

Two separate political cultures cannot exist,  one at the top and another at the grassroots. If we are to operate at the highest levels without waste, corruption, or fraud, the same standard must be upheld locally. Only the National People’s Power (NPP) has presented candidates who reflect this integrity.

The nominee of NPP for the position of Mayor of Colombo is not an individual elevated by political lineage, but someone who has walked the streets of Colombo, understands its people, and is deeply aware of their issues. Ms. Vraie Cally Balthazaar, who during her office as my private secretary, has consistently demonstrated the capacity to respond sensitively and competently to complex matters that makes her best suited for the mayoral position.

An individual who favours a single platform, segment, or locality cannot represent Colombo as a whole. We need someone who can serve all of Colombo with empathy and dedication. The NPP has put forward its candidates with the sole purpose of serving the people and working in their best interest.

The annual revenue of the Colombo Municipal Council is Rs. 30 billion. Had this sum truly been utilised for the benefit of the public, the city would not be in its current state. Despite this revenue, Colombo has schools such as Ananda, Nalanda, and Royal and also the schools that lack even the adequate teaching staff, access to clean water, and basic sanitation facilities. How did we reach this point?

Greater responsibility for addressing local issues lies with provincial councils and local government institutions. If these institutions cannot fulfil their mandates, how can we hope to build a new nation?

Under the guidance of present administration, the national economy has begun to recover. Tourist arrivals are increasing, and the country is embarking on a path of development. Yet, there remains much to be done. In order to transform national development plans into practical results at the community level, strong and principled leadership within local and municipal councils is essential.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya urged the public to exercise their vote with careful consideration in order to liberate the nation from corrupt politics and to resolve longstanding challenges.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of National Integration  Mohamed Muneer, Colombo mayoral candidate Ms. Vraie Cally Balthazaar, local council candidates, and party members.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]