Immediate Actions Required to Mitigate Flooding in Matara District
The Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, has directed officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, and Urban Development, Construction, and Housing to implement all essential measures to reduce potential flooding in the Matara district due to heavy rainfall.
These directives were issued by the Secretary to the President during a meeting held yesterday (12) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from all pertinent ministries and institutions.
During the meeting, the progress of a prior discussion concerning the Salinity Barrier project across Nilwala River, overseen by the Secretary to the President, was evaluated. Various short-term and long-term measures to manage the flooding in the Matara region caused by the barrier were suggested, and all parties concurred to undertake necessary actions. The progress of these proposed measures was also reviewed.
Accordingly, officials announced that the University of Peradeniya and its associated Engineering Design Center have been tasked with studying and reporting on long-term solutions. It was also noted that the proposed solutions would address the challenges arising after the Construction of the Salinity Barrier.
For short-term solutions, officials reported that measures have already been initiated to remove fallen trees and other blockages in the river to facilitate faster water drainage during emergencies. Additionally, canal banks are in the process of being cleared, and the temporary salinity barrier, previously constructed with sandbags by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, has been dismantled.
Furthermore, by April, actions will be undertaken to deepen the Nilwala estuary and canal routes to temporarily retain excess water during flood scenarios. The Irrigation Department also suggested enhancing the capacity of the water pumps currently utilized to expedite water drainage.
The Secretary to the President Dr. Kumanayake further instructed that all actions taken on this matter be reported to the Matara District Development Committee.
Local residents and farmers have voiced concerns that the Nilwala Salinity Barrier has intensified flooding and caused saltwater intrusion into paddy fields, leading to crop damage.
The meeting was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Kapila Janaka Bandara, along with senior officials from the relevant ministries.
Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, the Secretary to the President, has directed various ministries to implement measures to mitigate flooding in the Matara district, prompted by heavy rainfall. During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, progress on the Salinity Barrier project across the Nilwala River was evaluated. Short-term actions include removing obstructions and cleaning canal banks, while consulting with the University of Peradeniya for long-term solutions. Concerns about increased flooding and saltwater intrusion due to the Salinity Barrier were noted. Dr. Kumanayake requested updates on the progress from the Matara District Development Committee, with senior officials in attendance.
