Desilting not the only solution - minister

Large scale irrigation projects underway:

Priyanka KURUGALA

Desilting tanks and reservoirs is only one solution to the farmers' water problem, Irrigation and Water Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said

"A sustainable solution should be found to overcome the situation," the minister said addressing the inaugural ceremony to clear tanks and reservoirs of sediment to enhance their water retention capacity at Kalawewa recently.

De Silva said: "We have to find a sustainable solution for future water problems. The people as well as irrigation engineers, officers and other stakeholders need to come up with fresh ideas in this regard."

"They should devise a proper plan to manage water in the future. This task should not be entrusted to the government alone. Officers need to get advice and guidelines from farmers also. Irrigation engineers and officers cannot control these systems by themselves," the minister said.

The country will be able to cope with the drought after implementing large scale irrigation projects such as Moragahakanda, Gurugaloya and Deduruoya, he said.

"No other government had done so much for the farmer as the present regime . Therefore, do not be cheated by misleading political slogans," he said.

"Some people are demonstrating for water from the Kalawewa. However if this is done, there won't be even drinking water for the people. As a government, we have a responsibility towards the people. The President allocated Rs 3,665 million for desilting."

The minister thanked Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister S M Chandrasena.

Addressing the gathering Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said they have drawn up a plan to renovate all small scale reservoirs that have gone into disuse.

The Economic Development Ministry will fund this programme, he said.