The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock

¶ 01 On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, I answer:

¶ 02 (a) (i) Aquatic plants have spread in the Karavahu River and in five small tanks and “onion” ponds under the Department of Irrigation. (ii) Due to this spread, free water flow in the Karavahu River is obstructed and catchments of small tanks and “onion” ponds have silted up. (iii) As a result, the capacities of the small tanks and “onion” ponds have decreased.

¶ 03 (b) (i) Estimates are being prepared to remove aquatic plants from the small tanks. (ii) The Department of Irrigation will remove aquatic plants from the small tanks it maintains. (iii) Provisions have been requested and implementation is planned within this year.

¶ 04 (c) Not applicable.

¶ 05 In response to the supplementary: Attention has already been directed to the area; estimates are being prepared. Issues regarding required machinery are being resolved to proceed with removal of silt and weeds and restoration, which will also aid flood control. Regarding the Gal Oya Project, Rs. 900 million was allocated last year and Rs. 500 million this year for maintenance and rehabilitation. Decisions have been made at the district coordination committee chaired by the Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa to continue allocations in coming years to resolve these issues.