News
Four Irrigation Department projects started 14 years ago still not completed
Only Uma Oya Diversion to be completed this year
By Lalith Chaminda and S.K. Kaluarachchi
Four projects that the Irrigation Department commenced 14 years ago, at a cost of Rs. 90 billion had not yet been completed, the National Audit Office (NAO) said. The NAO said that the department had taken twice the time originally scheduled for these projects.
These are Thalpitigala tank, productivity promotion and irrigation scheme efficiency management system, Gin Nilwala Diversion Project and Uma Oya Diversion Project. The estimated costs of these projects now stand at Rs 153 billion. Although almost 60 percent of the allocated money had been spent, none of the projects were near completion, the report has said.
The NAO has proposed that the Irrigation Department analyse the impact of the delays on the expected benefits and this report must be presented to the cabinet of ministers.
The NAO has also said that some staff have been recruited on contract basis and that there have been delays in giving them service extensions. This too has caused disruptions, the NAO says. It recommends that the Irrigation Department audit the work so far and estimate the future costs and benefits of the projects.
In response, the Head of the Irrigation Department said that 90 percent of the Thalpitigala Tank project had been completed. However, the productivity promotion and irrigation scheme efficiency management system could not achieve the expected results because the department didn’t get the promised funding from the treasury.
“The Gin-Nilwala Diversion Project has been delayed because of a number of economic, social and political factors. However, the Uma Oya Diversion Project will be completed by the end of 2022,” he said.
An opposition grouping alleged yesterday (18) that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had become a political tool in the hands of the JVP/NPP to suppress the Opposition both in and outside Parliament.
Former Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris accused the CIABOC of fabricating cases against political opponents by manipulating those summoned. He tore into the institution, alleging that it drove people to suicide.
Addressing the media at the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office, Prof. Peiris alleged that former SriLankan Airlines CEO, Kapila Chandrasena, had been a victim of that despicable strategy. Director General of CIABOC, ex-High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, had warned Chandrasena of dire consequences unless the latter fully cooperated with the Commission, Prof. Peiris said.
Prof. Peiris emphasised the responsibility on the part of all concerned to examine Chandrasena’s affidavit regarding the intervention made by the Director General.
Chandrasena committed suicide while being on bail in connection with an investigation into the alleged USD 2 mn bribe to facilitate an Airbus deal during the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Prof. Peiris alleged that the CIABOC Director General had taken control of the Commission and was pursuing an agenda inimical to the law. (SF)
News
Over 5,000 military personnel promoted to coincide with 17th anniversary of victory over terrorism
In line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls on 19 May, a total of 5,289 Tri Service personnel have been granted promotions to their next respective ranks in recognition of their dedicated service rendered to the nation, the Defence Ministry announced.
The National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day is commemorated annually on 19 May to honour and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices and exemplary service of members of the Tri Forces who contributed immensely towards restoring peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland.
Accordingly, these promotions have been awarded, based on the recommendations of the respective Service Commanders, and in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Tri Forces.
Kalutara is the worst affected district due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of approximately 200 houses partially damaged so far, about 90% are in the Kalutara district.
DMC said that 22 houses had been damaged in the Ratnapura District, 14 in the Galle District, 4 in the Moneragala District, 25 in the Batticaloa District, 5 in the Colombo District, 4 in the Jaffna District, 25 in the Gampaha District, 2 in the Hambantota District, 2 in the Anuradhapura District, 5 in the Mannar District, and 2 in the Trincomalee District..
One house was destroyed in the Ratnapura District.
The DMC further stated that 1,582 families had been affected by the inclement weather.
The affected families are in 66 Divisional Secretariat divisions across the country.
Accordingly, a total of 5,267 individuals from 1,582 families have been impacted by adverse weather, according to the statement issued by the Centre.
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