SEVERAL IRRIGATION WORKS IN ELAHERA IN DILAPIDATED STATE

Agrarian Organisations expressed concern about the dilapidated state of irrigation works in the Elahera major colonization scheme. President of the Elahera-moragahakanda Scheme Agrarian Organisation Gamini Jayaratne said several irrigation works in the Elahera colonization scheme had been constructed more than 70 years ago during the inception of the scheme.

He pointed out that even the irrigation canals constructed in 1983 under the Mahaweli “G” Zone were in a dilapidated state due to neglect and

misuse. Farmers said that neglect of repairs and maintenance of irrigation works resulted in a colossal waste of water. President of the Agrarian Organization said Yodha Ela canal that feeds Giritale, Minneriya, Kaudulla and Kantale tanks has developed breaches that resulted in waste of water. He said he drew the attention of the District Agricultural Committee on this issue but action had not yet been taken.

However Elahera Irrigation Engineer, Nalaka Samarasinghe said the department carried out repairs and maintenance of irrigation works at regular intervals. He said priority would be given depending on the availability of funds.