The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the public issue arising from construction of the Nilwala salinity barrier has now become a serious concern. The water supply project costing Rs. 3,000 million was designed to provide drinking water to about 800,000 people across seven Divisional Secretary’s Divisions, and the salinity barrier was constructed downstream of that intake in line with the Central Environmental Authority’s environmental report at the time, which recommended the barrier as suitable. The Department of Irrigation and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board also recommended the construction.

¶ 02 However, problems emerged after construction, especially when floodwaters recede during heavy rainfall periods. Over 20,000 acres of farmland are being damaged. This is now a serious public issue.

¶ 03 Previous reports focused on justifying the barrier. A thorough report on the post-construction issues has not yet been completed. The Presidential Secretary and officials have intervened and held several meetings. Today at 4.00 p.m., relevant officials met again. Accordingly, short-term and long-term solutions have been formulated.

¶ 04 Short-term: widening openings to facilitate receding of floodwaters; removal of the temporary salinity barrier made using around 750 cubic meters of sandbags; clearing all obstructions—trees and debris—impeding river flow.

¶ 05 Long-term: a comprehensive study has been assigned to a University of Peradeniya team to recommend solutions; additionally, CEB engineers, farmer organizations and the public can contribute to the committee to provide views. The Government will ensure a sustainable solution with inputs from both experts and the public.

¶ 06 Further, Government is ready to hold a broader discussion next Saturday at the Presidential Secretariat with all MPs representing Matara District, Government and Opposition. The Government will intervene and allocate funds to provide a durable solution to this public issue affecting more than 20,000 acres of paddy lands. We acknowledge that this arose from construction without adequate foresight, and that a stable solution was not provided for a long time thereafter. The current Government needs some time to arrive at sound, scientific decisions. Therefore, while long-term work proceeds, short-term measures are underway. The Government will necessarily intervene to deliver a sustainable solution.

¶ 07 Thank you.