Govt may seek foreign expertise to resolve Nilwala salinity barrier issue: Minister Handunnetti
– Minister Sunil Handunnetti says the government will seek foreign assistance to find a permanent solution to the problems caused by the irregular construction of the salinity barrier on the Nilwala River in Matara if local technical expertise proves inadequate.
The Minister made these remarks during a recent inspection visit to the site.The barrier, constructed to address drinking water shortages in Matara, has reportedly failed to deliver the expected results due to substandard construction. As a result, residents continue to face water shortages, with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) limiting supply to several areas because of drought and saltwater intrusion into the river.As Chairman of the Matara District Coordinating Committee, Minister Handunnetti has directed his attention to the issue. In the meantime, temporary measures are being implemented to prevent saltwater from entering the river.
From August 30, officers from the Matara Disaster Management Centre and soldiers of the 09th Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, under the supervision of the NWSDB, began blocking nearby side canals with sandbags to minimize saltwater intrusion.
