Protest over mini hydro power project

Residents and environmentalists had protested against the proposed mini-hydropower project at Arawakumbura in Bibila.

A dam across Ibbanna oya would be erected under the proposed project that would add 900 kilowatts to the national grid, according to officials.

However the residents said a private company had attempted to implement the project since 2005 but suspended due to public protests. Representatives of environmental organizations pointed out that the proposed project would result in extensive environmental damage and a shortage of drinking water in several areas.

They said that Ibbanna oya did not have the capacity to feed a hydropower project and that the little water in the river was barely enough to irrigate 1,600 acres of paddy cultivation and to meet the requirements of drinking water in several areas including Yalkumbura, Thanayamgama, Ethanawatta, Medapitiya, and Dodamgolla areas.

They pointed out that more than 2,000 families would be affected by the shortage of drinking water if the project was implemented.

Meanwhile, the Chief Incumbent of Tangoda Historic Temple at Arawakumbua in Bibila Ven Ethanawatte Attadassi Thera said the officials of the company responsible for the project had forged his signature to a statement that he consented to the project. Ven. Thera said he made a complaint in this regard the Police and the District Secretary. He said the Environmental Authority had not yet granted approval for the project.