Minister of Finance Mangala Samaraweera has proposed to allot Rs 4000 million to improve lavatory and sanitary facilities island-wide.

Presenting the Budget proposal for 2019, the Minister stated that in spite of the country reaching middle-income status and millions of rupees being invested in sophisticated expressway projects and city developments, almost 260,000 houses in the country are without sanitary facilities.

Accordingly, the Minister assured that such houses in the country will be provided with sanitation facilities within two years while benefitting almost 1 million citizens.

He commented that in Hambantota District, which saw a splurge of mega projects in the form of California style Highways, Chinese style Conference Halls and Sports Stadiums, have over 15,000 people without even the most basic of sanitary facilities.

Addressing the parliament session, Minister Samaraweera further said that sanitary facilities of many bus terminals and railway stations are also in an atrocious condition.

Rs 1000 million of funds have been allocated to improve sanitary facilities at public places and such facilities will be provided for men, women and those with special needs, the Minister said.

Once built, the private sector will be invited to maintain these facilities, Minister Samaraweera commented further.