Former Member of Parliament Wasantha Yapa Bandara has criticized the implementation of the “Clean Sri Lanka” national program, particularly the ongoing drainage system repairs at the Nawalapitiya main bus stand. He described the project as irregular, alleging that funds are being collected improperly from the local business community.
The drainage system at the bus stand, which frequently overflows during heavy rains, has caused significant flooding and inconvenience. While repairs were initiated as part of the Clean Sri Lanka program under the leadership of MP Thushari Jayasinghe, the work remains incomplete. Local business owners report that the partial and ongoing nature of the repairs has caused further disruptions, with no meaningful progress to date.
Bandara argued that the Clean Sri Lanka initiative should not focus on small-scale activities like cleaning drains, but rather on comprehensive development projects funded by proper budget allocations. He criticized the collection of Rs. 600 from local merchants, stating that such a nominal amount cannot support a large-scale wastewater management system.
Furthermore, Bandara emphasized that while he supports the goals of the Clean Sri Lanka program, he cannot endorse isolated or poorly managed initiatives. He called on the government to allocate appropriate funding and adopt a systematic approach to infrastructure projects, rather than relying on ad hoc efforts led by individuals.
The former MP also highlighted the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in public initiatives, stressing that national programs like Clean Sri Lanka should prioritize impactful, well-executed projects to benefit citizens rather than piecemeal fixes.
Despite the opposition’s criticism, the drainage issue at the Nawalapitiya bus stand remains unresolved, with the business community and commuters continuing to face significant challenges.
