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Occupiers of unprotected areas around Nilwala Ganga should be shifted - Irrigation Minister

Matara Central correspondent

Because of the execution of gigantic projects in a haphazard manner, the country is facing a grave situation. Several Committees were appointed from time to time to study and report on the shortcomings in the Nilwala Project but nothing has become fruitful, before another flood occurs, occupiers of unprotected areas around Nilwala Basin should be shifted elsewhere providing alternative lands within protected areas, said the Minister of Irrigation and Water Management Gaminie Jayawickrama Perera at a conference held recently at the Matara District Secretariat.

This conference was convened with a view to assess the extent of progress made out of various steps taken to resurrect the flood affected people in the district of Matara.

Minister Jayawickrama Perera further said, because of unexpected things that happened within the unprotected areas, even the people within the protected areas, were put to great inconveniences. Destruction of Thalahagoda dam is a grave crime equivalent to ten murders. I personally express my sorrow over that happening. Culprits must be immediately brought to book and legal action must be instituted against them in a court of law. Whatever party is in power, it is the duty of the professionals in various fields to act firmly and to educate the political leadership; as regards the outcome of any hazardous act.

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources and Deputy Minister of Southern Region Development Mahinda Wijesekara said though recent floods created a havoc, water of Nilwala Ganga are essential for Matara. A long term programme is essential, to convert it to an asset. Bitter things experienced by us, recently must be treated as a source of encouragement to plan out immediately a far-reaching irrigation scheme for the benefit of all in the district of Matara.

Secretary of the Matara District Govi Sanvidanaya Jayatissa Kulatunga pointed out that though complaints have been lodged with the Police about the destruction of dam at Thalahagoda, no action has been pursued by them.

Deputy Minister of Power and Energy Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief Minister Southern Provincial Council H. G. Sirisena, Matara District MP Jinadasa Kitulegoda and Matara District Secretary G. S. Ediriweera were present at the conference.

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