The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the answer is as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (i) In the Puttalam District, the coastal stretches of Iranavila, Ambakandavila, Ilanthadiya, Alankuda, Kudaawa, Kandakkuliya and Karukapane are currently facing erosion. The severity has increased due to natural causes such as the southwest monsoon and occasional storms. Erosion causes damage to coastal properties and lands and disrupts livelihoods and access routes. (ii) The globally accepted, most successful scientific solution is beach nourishment using sand dredged from deep sea. However, considering the current economic situation, allocating the required funds is difficult. Therefore, priority has been given to controlling erosion through relatively less costly measures such as constructing coastal protection structures.

¶ 03 (b) The programmes currently being implemented and proposed for 2026 in the Puttalam District are:

¶ 04 1) 2025 Ongoing/Planned Works (estimated allocations): - Udappuwa North: 200 m coastal revetment construction (continuing from 2024) — Rs. 10.5 million - Mudukatuwa fishery harbour: groyne construction and revetment rehabilitation — Rs. 20.0 million - Lansigama: rehabilitation of 80 m groyne — Rs. 20.0 million - Emergency coastal protection works — Karukapane and Iranavila — Rs. 12.0 million Total allocation for Puttalam coastal protection in 2025: Rs. 62.5 million

¶ 05 2) 2026 Proposed Works (expected allocations): - Iranavila–Ambakandavila groyne field construction — Rs. 18.0 million - Kalpitiya, Thalawila coastal revetment construction — Rs. 19.0 million - Arachchikattuwa, Karukapane coastal revetment construction — Rs. 16.0 million - Udappuwa South coastal revetment construction and groyne rehabilitation — Rs. 20.0 million Expected total for Puttalam in 2026: Rs. 73.0 million

¶ 06 (c) Not applicable.