* Building plans in Badulla district must adhere to relevant decisions
* New plan initiated to resettle individuals displaced by disasters
* Decentralized Budget allocation to districts from next year
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged the relevant authorities to promptly address the issue of unauthorized constructions in the Ohiya 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 on Saturday(16).
President 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 programme for those affected in the 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 Wickremesinghe outlined the vision for a decentralized budget for districts starting next year. This approach aims to prioritize the district’s development needs by consolidating funds from the Upcountry development program, ministry allocations, provincial council disbursements, and foreign aid projects. The President anticipates commencing these initiatives by July of the upcoming year.
In further remarks, President Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to all participants for their engagement in the discussion, despite it being on a Saturday. He highlighted the stagnation in the country’s development over the past three years, citing halted projects, including highway construction. 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. This funding, collected through income tax, is crucial for the country’s developmental needs. 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 prioritised initiatives.
Starting from the next fiscal year, the districts will receive a decentralised budget based on the available number of seats. Additionally, the Upcountry program, aimed at supporting isolated mountain villages, has commenced, with each divisional secretariat receiving 10 million. 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 Wickremesinghe expressed plans to establish committees at the provincial level, collaborating with district development committees. These committees, comprising district chairpersons, members and officers, will oversee development activities in their respective Divisional Secretariats. 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 programme, 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 programme to grant freehold deeds to individuals holding licences under the Land Development Ordinance. The President anticipates substantial progress through these strategic measures.
