The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I bring this Adjournment Matter regarding the Nilwala River lower reaches in Matara, where the salinity barrier constructed has caused severe problems to the lives, culture, economy and daily activities of people in six Divisional Secretary’s Divisions downstream.

¶ 02 This salinity barrier was completed in 2022. Upon review, it is evident that its construction ignored recommendations in the EIA Report and technical evaluations. As a result, flood conditions cannot be properly managed now. Since the river cross-section at the barrier has been reduced by about 40%, once floods occur, it takes a long time—sometimes months—for waters to recede. Thousands of families have lost their livelihoods; roads are impassable; paddy cultivation is impossible; even highland areas are being damaged. This must be rectified.

¶ 03 We proposed a joint meeting of the Department of Irrigation, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and farmer organizations to resolve this. Although there was an earlier agreement to make changes, in November last year it was decided to hand another study to the University of Peradeniya, despite two prior studies, and four months later no action has been taken.

¶ 04 Previously, the Water Board assigned a study to a private entity—the same entity that earlier made wrong recommendations—raising further concerns. Locals call this the "wound of the poor" and also "the foolish dam." Officials have been spending significant sums on ad-hoc measures; for instance, more than Rs. 100 million has been spent over two months to pump water. This is a large economic loss to the country.

¶ 05 We propose that the Department of Irrigation, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) and farmer organizations jointly discuss and implement immediate solutions to restore living conditions in the lower Nilwala basin in Matara as soon as possible.