Former President Maithripala Sirisena has called on the government to fast-track the construction of canals to divert surplus water from the Moragahakanda and Kalu Ganga reservoirs to Anuradhapura and the North Western Province. He stressed that these measures are urgently needed to mitigate the devastating flood damage in the Polonnaruwa District.
Recent heavy rains have wreaked havoc in the Polonnaruwa District, destroying crops, damaging property, and causing significant hardship for residents. Sirisena attributed the destruction to inadequate infrastructure to manage water overflow from the reservoirs effectively.
“In 2019, around 15 to 20 kilometers of canals were constructed to carry water from Moragahakanda to Anuradhapura and the North West. However, since 2019, subsequent governments have completely stalled the construction of these critical canals,” Sirisena stated.
He emphasized that had the project been completed, the recent devastation in Polonnaruwa could have been avoided. Instead, the excess water now flows into the Mahaweli River and eventually the sea, wasting a valuable resource that could support agriculture.
Sirisena urged the current administration to prioritize the completion of the canal network, highlighting its potential to prevent future flood damage and enhance agricultural productivity in affected regions.
“The government must act swiftly to ensure this valuable water resource is utilized effectively. Diverting it properly will alleviate suffering in Polonnaruwa and boost agricultural development in Anuradhapura and the North Western Province,” he added.
