August 06, Colombo (LNW): Under the National Road Rehabilitation Project, led by the Ministry of Transport and Highways, the development of the road stretching from the Waga Railway Station to Moraketiya via Pinnawala has been inaugurated by Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana.
This road, essential to local residents, has been in disrepair for an extended period, causing significant transportation difficulties. Responding to persistent requests from local representatives and residents, the project to carpet the road has finally commenced.
During the inauguration, Minister Dr. Gunawardhana remarked, “As the Minister in charge of highways, I have observed that road construction projects have often been assigned to various contractors. To address this, funds were allocated to each Member of Parliament for their constituencies, managed by the engineers and officials of the Road Development Authority. However, public complaints indicate that these responsibilities are not being fulfilled correctly. There are ongoing complaints about road projects being incomplete and prolonged indefinitely. If this continues, we may revert to the old method of using private contractors for construction. We cannot allow a state of anarchy to be created by saboteurs, and necessary decisions will be made when required.
“Under the new circumstances in the country, no one in the public sector will benefit from theft. Public servants, as well as their family members and children, must declare their assets. If assets have increased unlawfully, the law will be strictly enforced. This law applies not only to public representatives but also to state employees and private sector workers. Legal frameworks have been established to prevent any opportunity for bribery and corruption.”
The event saw the participation of former Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, Jayantha Rohana, along with former public representatives, state officials from the area, and numerous local residents.
