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Only 4% of Hambantota development funds used so far: President calls for urgent action

Saturday, 12 July 2025 - 10:05 pm

Although Rs. 574 million has been allocated for the Hambantota District this year under the Southe Province Development Programme, only around Rs. 23 million - just 4% of the total - has been utilised so far, it was revealed at a high-level meeting held this mo ing (11).

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing the Hambantota District Special Coordination Committee meeting at the District Secretariat auditorium, expressed strong conce over the slow progress of development work in the area. 

He questioned officials about the underutilisation of funds and urged them to ensure that the remaining allocations are effectively used for the benefit of the people before the year ends.

The President stressed the need for close collaboration between political leaders and public officials, stating that no one could work in isolation if the country is to be steered toward economic progress and an improved standard of living. 

“We need a unified system where everyone supports the gove ment’s efforts to serve the public,” he said.

The meeting also focused on major challenges hampering development in the district, including issues in the agriculture, fisheries, health, education, rural roads, land, and irrigation sectors. Possible solutions and the advancement of the gove ment’s digitalisation programme were also discussed.

In addition, the President reviewed the 2025 Budget allocations to ministries, departments, and public institutions, alongside the current progress of projects and those expected to launch later this year under these funds.

Addressing the long-standing issue of land allocation, President Dissanayake emphasised that lands should not be distributed arbitrarily or handed over to various authorities for irregular dealings. Instead, he called for a policy that prioritises granting land to individuals who can use it for economically productive purposes, adding that a cultural shift in land management is essential for national development.