Minister Sunil Handunnetti has said the government will consider seeking foreign expertise to find a permanent solution to the problems arising from the irregular construction of the salinity barrier on the Nilwala River in Matara, if local technical knowledge proves insufficient.
The Minister made these remarks during a recent inspection visit to the site.
The barrier, originally built to address drinking water shortages in Matara, has reportedly failed to achieve its intended purpose due to substandard construction. As a result, residents continue to face water shortages, with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) forced to limit supply in several areas because of drought and saltwater intrusion into the river.
As Chairman of the Matara District Coordinating Committee, Minister Handunnetti has taken direct interest in the issue. In the meantime, temporary measures are being implemented to curb saltwater inflow.
From August 30, officers of the Matara Disaster Management Centre, together with soldiers of the 09th Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment under NWSDB supervision, began blocking nearby side canals with sandbags to reduce saltwater intrusion.
