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Equitable sharing of water is a powerful factor in maintaining peace and harmony among communities
The equitable sharing of water stored in the upper reaches of the Ampara district, which is predominantly Sinhalese, with the Tamil and Muslim communities in the lower coastal area in the Batticaloa district, is a powerful factor in maintaining peace and harmony in the eastern province, Dr. Hilmy Sally, independent irrigation and water management professional recently said at a conference organized by the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL).
Sally who was speaking on how water can be used to promote peace said that Sri Lanka has a historic tradition of this.
“The pinthaliya placed at the village can be considered as a water for peace,” he said.
He pointed out that the Senanayaka Samudraya, Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir located in Ampara, provides water for agricultural and drinking water requirements of all three major communities.
“In early 2000, the water from Nachchaduwa in the Upper Malwathu Oya basin where the Sinhalese live was released to satisfy the water needs of Tamil farmers in the lower Malwathu Oya basin and as a gesture of thanks and goodwill, the Tamil community actively participated in the annual ‘Poson dansela’. These examples show the pivotal role that water can play in promoting reconciliation and long lasting peace, and fostering a common Sri Lankan identity,” Sally said.
Dr. Sally said the Mahaweli Development Project was designed to divert excess water in the Mahaweli River basin to the dry areas of the North Central, Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. However, even after 50 years of the commencement of the project, several sub-projects, especially in the North, have not been implemented.
“So the driest and most water needy areas still wait for water because the North Central Province Canal project has not been established. The North Central Province canal component includes water transfer over 200 kilometres from South to North. 70 percent from gravity transfer from Randenigala Reservoir and the rest through pumping from lower Mahaweli River at Janaranjana Wewa. The implementation has been delayed for several reasons. There are unsubstantiated objections about the cost of water lifting and inadequacy of water for the North Central Province Canal diversion,” he said.
He added that there is also fear among professionals and communities of the Northern Province that the canal command may declare a Mahaweli area which will place the land under the Mahaweli Authority. They believe this will lead to loss of control of lands under the Northern Provincial Council, Sally said.
“The canal project could have lifted the farming communities living in the Northern Province,” he said.
The expert said that Sri Lanka is rich in water resources but has issues with water stress. Sri Lanka also ranks high as a hotspot on the Global Climate Risk Index, specifically in regard to climate change induced risks to water.
“Climate externalities create vulnerability in the country’s water infrastructure and water security. This can lead to severe consequences for lives and livelihoods, especially in sectors like agriculture. There is an urgent need for strategies to move from water risk and conflict to water cooperation and understanding,” he said.
Sally said conflicts and disputes are often brought on by competing interests and not necessarily because there is too little water. Sri Lanka has multiple levels of decentralization and there is also unclear demarcation of roles and responsibilities at each level.
“There is a lack of integrated technological and institutional framework to promote sustainable resource management in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Sally said local communities are not always consulted in decision making about ‘their’ water although these communities ultimately have to bear the costs and impacts of some of these projects. (RK)
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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