A special District Development Committee meeting held on Wednesday at the Batticaloa District Secretariat has assessed and found solutions to the existing issues related to public transportation and highways within the District.
The discussion was attended by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, and the Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development and Chairman of the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee, Sunil Handunneththi.
Providing details of the meeting, Minister Sunil Handunneththi said that it brought together officials from all relevant sectors, including transport, highways, water supply, and civil aviation, with the aim of providing direct interventions and decisions to resolve many long-standing issues affecting the general public within the district.
In line with the government’s strategy to establish a regulated and high-quality public transport service, plans were formulated to implement necessary measures methodically based on proper evaluation and public demand, while addressing the challenges currently faced within the Batticaloa District, he said.
The minister further said that recognizing Batticaloa as a district with significant tourism potential, proposals were also developed to enhance accessibility and attract more visitors. “These measures included expanding transportation services and better utilizing the international airport located in the district.”
Following the discussion, Minister Handunneththi and Minister Bimal Rathnayake undertook an inspection visit to the Batticaloa Bus Depot.
Minister Handunneththi said that during the visit, they witnessed the reintroduction of several previously decommissioned buses into active service after refurbishment by depot staff. “We believe this step will greatly benefit the public by strengthening local transport services.”
“As Sri Lankans, it is our collective responsibility to work towards building a unified and developed nation, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences. We remain committed to contributing to this cause in every possible way,” the minister added. (Newswire)
