President Stresses Proper Utilization of Funds Allocated to Ministries

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that when the government allocates funds to ministries in a timely and appropriate manner, the failure to utilize these provisions efficiently within the specified period becomes a serious concern.

The President made these remarks during a special budget review meeting held to assess ongoing projects implemented under the 2025 budget allocations for the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, and to discuss preliminary preparations for the upcoming year’s budget.

President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of prioritizing the needs and preferences of the public when implementing housing and construction projects, as well as during urban planning. 

He noted that arbitrary construction projects carried out by previous administrations—without community consultation—have resulted in numerous government buildings across the country that are underutilized or completely abandoned.

The discussion also covered a wide range of sectors including urban and rural housing projects, urban development initiatives, city planning, waste management, environmental protection, water supply, and sanitation projects.

According to the President’s Media Division, the President also reviewed the current progress of projects being implemented under these sectors across all provinces of the country.

During the meeting, it was revealed that 18 bridge construction projects initiated in the Hambantota District under the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing have been abandoned midway. 

As a result, the temporary roads used in place of these bridges have become muddy and nearly impassable, causing severe hardship to local residents.

President Dissanayake instructed officials to explore the possibility of completing these abandoned bridge projects. 

He also directed them to ensure that at least five of the most essential bridges are completed within this year.