Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala

Dr. Nandana Millagala posed a supplementary question to the Minister regarding the use of underutilized lands in Nagastenna for resettlement purposes. He noted that areas including Sipoth and Berannawa were severely affected by a recent cyclone, and that Yatiyantota alone has over 300 high-risk houses. He specifically proposed that, subject to appropriate scientific clearances, portions of the Nagastenna lands could be allocated to resettle cyclone-affected families from these high-risk areas.

Dr. Nandana Millagala posed a supplementary question to the Minister regarding the Nagastenna area, noting that it contains both mature pine stands in hill zones and lands overtaken by invasive species such as manna grass and crofton weed. He asked whether a systematic programme exists to remove these invasive species and redirect the affected lands toward suitable perennial crops.

Dr. Nandana Millagala submitted Written Question No. 1542/2025 to the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure regarding the Nagastenna Estate in Yatiyantota. The question seeks information on the estate's current ownership, the adequacy of its management, and whether the Minister is aware of alleged encroachment of the estate's lands by private parties. The MP also requests details on measures taken to address any such encroachment and to develop the estate, which he characterises as being of economic, environmental, and social significance.

Dr. Nandana Millagala spoke in support of the Bill during its Second Reading debate, dismissing Opposition criticisms as misrepresentations of the President's speech, particularly regarding a dispute over the term "hunduwa." He outlined the Government's fuel infrastructure development plan, which involves an allocation of Rs. 32 billion for the construction and refurbishment of storage tanks at Kolonnawa, Muthurajawela, and Trincomalee, as well as pipeline works, with a targeted completion date of 2027, noting that previous governments had neglected this area for over four decades. On the Bill itself, he stated that it is intended to address the hardships faced by over two million microfinance borrowers while simultaneously stabilising microfinance institutions through improved financial literacy and governance frameworks. He also briefly reaffirmed the Government's position that all parties to conflicts in the Middle East should cease hostilities and pursue peace.