The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation

¶ 01 [6.38 p.m.]

¶ 02 Mr. Speaker, Ratnapura District is one that suffers heavily from floods. We are pleased that Hon. Waruna Liyanage has brought a Motion seeking a solution. The manner in which he presented it at the Adjournment and his restraint are appreciated. The seconder and two Government Members also spoke, showing how much people suffer, the extent to which lives are affected, and the causative factors. They also discussed current proposals, possible answers and the efforts to implement them.

¶ 03 The main reason for flooding in Ratnapura is the Kalu Ganga. The upper basin receives high rainfall during the South-West monsoon, soon to begin, and a large discharge reaches the Kalu Ganga at once, inundating areas downstream from Ratnapura to Kalutara. The Irrigation Department has studied this. Generally, for flood mitigation, multiple measures are used. When Ratnapura is flooded, certain steps are taken, but neither the Opposition nor we are satisfied with the suffering people endure. People have partly adapted; compensation is paid; they cope with these events.

¶ 04 In addition to current measures, we need a sustainable solution. Hence, this Motion is very important. Technically, the Irrigation Department proposes structural solutions—building works to control floods—and non-structural measures, some of which are in operation. Many studies have been done along the Kalu Ganga. The study accepted now by the Department is the one done in 2014 by an Israeli consultancy team for flood control in Ratnapura: they particularly proposed the dry dam system that Hon. Waruna Liyanage mentioned—constructing a dry dam at Malwala on the Kalu Ganga—and two dams on the Walawe Ganga at Deala 2 and Deala 3.

¶ 05 A dry dam is a recognized, highly technical method used globally. In normal flow, water passes; in high flow, it is retained. When retaining, it becomes a reservoir, and water is released gradually and in a controlled manner so downstream areas do not flood. The study outlines many advantages. Ratnapura lands are valuable—used for gem mining and cultivation. The dry dam concept is important because land is only submerged temporarily—days or weeks—and then becomes usable again for short-term crops, long-term crops tolerant of brief inundation, and even for the gem industry. Land ownership remains with the people; unlike in permanent reservoirs, resettlement and land alienation are not needed.

¶ 06 Of the three proposed dry dams, these are considered most effective by studies. Additionally, as an Hon. Member noted, water from small tributaries can be diverted to the Udawalawe Reservoir, which needs water for agriculture and industry. The proposal includes constructing a large reservoir at Kukulegama and two medium reservoirs at two other locations, conveying water via a tunnel, as outlined in the study.

¶ 07 As Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara stated, another key cause is the Kalu Ganga running parallel to the sea and turning nearly 90 degrees close to the outlet; widening and rehabilitating the river mouth is essential, but it also introduces salinity intrusion, so a saltwater barrier would be needed. These three approaches are receiving attention at the Department.

¶ 08 We are aware of the people’s suffering and can act. As clearly stated, there is no allocation in this Budget; nonetheless, we can consider it in the next. Given our economy, in this Budget the Department focuses on clearing bottlenecks in ongoing irrigation projects. Many projects are stuck—litigation and issues abound—halting progress. Unless we clear them, economic growth will stall. Uma Oya, Lower Uma Oya, Lower Malwathu Oya and many others need to be completed. We are allocating funds accordingly. Northern Province’s Maha Ela, for example, has significant issues. Our aim this year is to resolve issues and complete commenced projects. Then, in coming years, we can turn to these structural flood control measures. The Department estimates roughly USD 250 million for the major structures—large for our economy—and it would take several years, with foreign investment or aid likely required. Reducing human suffering and economic losses from floods is worthwhile.

¶ 09 We will look to move towards such proposals in future; feasibility studies can be commissioned—resources exist—but funding is the challenge. We believe that, as a country and Government, we can move towards these tasks. We have strong confidence that reservoirs, diversions and mouth improvements can provide a sustainable solution for flood control in Ratnapura. For now, we aim to complete the stalled projects within the next eight months under this Budget. If we succeed, next year we can rapidly focus on these issues. The Government is willing to prioritize this and appreciates your cooperation.

¶ 10 We again thank Hon. Waruna Liyanage for moving this Motion and the Hon. Member who seconded it.

¶ 11 Thank you, Mr. Speaker.