Govt has ample funds to fast-track development projects: Minister Bimal Rathnayaka

Colombo, July 5 (Daily Mirror) - Minister Bimal Rathnayaka said that the government has ample funds to implement major infrastructure, education and development projects across the country, adding that the next phase of governance will focus on accelerating development in all sectors.

Responding to opposition criticism over the pace of development, the Minister said the government had first prioritised stabilising the country's economy, law and order, and social environment before moving forward with large-scale development initiatives. He said future plans include expanding the expressway network, establishing new medical faculties and constructing housing projects.

Commenting on the transport sector, Rathnayaka said decades of neglect and politicisation had severely affected Sri Lanka's road and railway systems. He said that rehabilitation work is underway and expressed confidence that almost all railway lines, except the Kurunegala–Matale section, would be operational within the year. He also said the government has introduced a metro bus service and plans to add another 800 buses to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) fleet in the coming months.

The Minister dismissed opposition claims that the government had failed to deliver visible development, saying such criticism lacked credibility. While maintaining that adequate funding is available, he acknowledged that outdated administrative procedures and shortages of technical professionals have slowed the implementation of some projects.

Looking ahead, Rathnayaka said the government will prioritise solid waste management, access to clean drinking water and green energy in the national budget. He said the administration intends to shift towards waste-to-energy projects instead of composting, citing limited acceptance of compost among farmers. He added that key projects, including the Aruwakkalu waste management facility and the Karadiyana waste-to-energy project, are being submitted for Cabinet approval with the goal of resolving the country's waste management challenges within the next three years.