Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has ordered an urgent investigation to check the adverse effects of the salinity barrier across the Nilwala River in Matara.
He emphasised the importance of implementing a structured flood management plan for the Matara district and directed the Irrigation Department and the Water Supply and Drainage Board to draw up a sustainable flood management plan in Matara.
A discussion was held in this connection at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday, November 8 led by the Secretary to the President. Officials of the Irrigation Department, National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the relevant Ministries were present.
The meeting focused on determining whether the salinity barrier was contributing to floods leading to agricultural damage.
The Secretary said that there have been several complaints from residents along the river banks regarding the adverse effects of the salinity barrier, which has led to the loss of farmland and livelihoods.
He said that it is the Government’s responsibility to address this issue urgently and to restore normalcy. He has directed officials to continue working to solve the flooding issue in the Matara region.
The Secretary to the President has directed the officials to draw up an action plan based on the findings of the study.
