Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rohini Kaviratne says that all budget allocations for the Matale district are continuations of projects launched during the previous ‘Good Governance’ administration.
“Through this year’s budget, it is my responsibility to highlight that all allocations directly impacting the Matale district relate to projects initiated by the United National Party-led Good Governance Government,” Kaviratne said.
Issuing a statement, she recalled that the original proposal to develop four access roads under the Matale Urban Development Program was first presented in 2016.
The plan, re-submitted in 2018, was designed not only to widen city streets but also to create alternative routes to reduce congestion and improve access across the city.
“All government-owned roads in the Laggala electorate had received funding and construction began during my tenure. However, work on some segments, including Naula, remains incomplete,” Kaviratne noted.
She added that while this year’s budget allocates significant funds for city access roads, it would cover less than one-sixth of the original proposals, raising doubts about whether even 5% of commissions for the city’s key buildings could be met.
With regard to infrastructure projects, Kaviratne highlighted that land acquisition for the Kurunegala-Dambulla Expressway began under the Good Governance administration, with the former Road Development Authority Chairman Nihal Suriyaarachchi playing a key role in the planning.
She noted that substantial funds for Matale’s road development under the MCC project were ultimately abandoned following strong opposition, representing lost opportunities for the district.
Regarding healthcare, she stressed that the Dambulla Hospital development was initiated under the Good Governance administration, with preliminary work completed while Dr. Rajitha Senaratne served as Health Minister.
Kaviratne criticized the current government’s decision to downgrade the Laggala Hospital to a ‘C’ grade facility, despite the district having already established a full-scale primary hospital between 2016 and 2019.
She also warned of a severe shortage of medicines across the Central Province and urged authorities to prioritize the delivery of essential medical supplies.
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