Uma Oya cannot go in reverse

Outlining a host of relief measures taken to assist those affected by the Uma Oya multi-development project’s construction, Cabinet Co-spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne insisted that the project would have to continue despite its negative impact on residents in the district. 

However, the three-member Cabinet Subcommittee appointed to evaluate the matter has recommended a “reconsideration of future excavation of the project only on recommendations made by international experts and a domestic committee of expert”, according to Cabinet decision briefing notes issued by the Department of Information.

“The Norwegian team of experts is here to evaluate and give technical assistance. But we cannot stop the project now that we have finished 70% of the project,” Senaratne told reporters at a Cabinet media briefing yesterday.

The Government has also approved a host of measures, including accelerating the process of paying compensation for damaged properties, the construction of six large-scale underground wells, strengthening the water distribution process, setting up a special unit of the National Building Research Institute and allocating funds in Budget 2018 to accelerate the construction of a proposed water supply scheme in Bandarawela.