The Hon. B. Ariyawansha

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, I second the Adjournment Motion moved by the Hon. Waruna Liyanage. Especially, as he stated, in Ratnapura District, particularly in Ratnapura and Ayagama Divisional Secretary’s Divisions, large low-lying areas are submerged due to flooding of the Kalu Ganga, causing severe hardship to the people. The Kalu Ganga starts at Samanala Kanda and falls into the sea through Kalutara District. In both Ratnapura and Kalutara Districts many villages go under water due to floods along the Kalu Ganga.

¶ 02 The sole solution is what the Hon. Waruna Liyanage mentioned. Years ago, under the "Kalu Ganga Project", there was a proposal to build a large reservoir at Gilimale/Malwala area; surveys were done and feasibility reports prepared, but it was not implemented. If it had been implemented, as he said, water could have been provided to Embilipitiya and especially to Wellawaya area of Monaragala District.

¶ 03 Also, some water could have been provided to Colombo District. But it was not implemented. At the Ratnapura District Coordinating Committee it was proposed to build cross canals and small tanks to collect water and then release water gradually in stages to prevent floods. Though no Budget allocation has been made this year, if your Government can allocate funds in the next Budget and implement this, it would be good. For a long time the people of Ratnapura have been suffering due to floods. Though Ratnapura, the City of Gems, is self-sustained by gem mining, and agriculture such as tea and pepper thrives, people live in very difficult conditions. Two or three times a year they face floods. Under disasters like floods and landslides, houses are destroyed, yet only a very small compensation is paid. Recently, we saw landslides and floods there. The Grama Niladhari reports "partial damage", and later Rs. 10,000 or Rs. 20,000 is paid via the Divisional Secretary’s Office, which is not enough even to buy two cupboards.

¶ 04 Mr. Speaker, due to floods and landslides, in the Suriyakanda area of Kolonna Divisional Secretary’s Division, the "Aluth Kaella" section suffered landslides over 15 years ago. Even up to now, land allocation has not been completed. Though it was said that land would be given from the Suriyakanda forest reserve, houses have not been built. Every year the area faces floods and landslides. It is also adjacent to the Singharaja forest, with heavy rainfall. People live in schools during rainy seasons and return to their homes afterward.

¶ 05 In Weligepola DS Division, in Panana and Sapugaskanda areas, about 16 families have lived like this for many years; no proper land allocation and housing have been provided. The "Lankaberiya" school suffered a landslide over 15 years ago and remains closed. That is an area where Tamil people live. Today, children are taught in a small shed. I request that the necessary background be provided to restore that school. Thank you, I resume my seat.