Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, at an event at Kumbichchamkulam, laid blame of the Uma Oya issue at the feet of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.  

“The issue at Uma Oya is no new one; this issue has repeated every time a tunnel is built. During Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s time, when Maithripala Senanayake dug the Bowatenne tunnel the same thing occurred. When Gamini Dissanayake was building Kotmale the same problem occurred. When Upper Kotmale was being built the same thing occurred. When Samanala Weva was being opened the mountain on the other side collapsed and the project was closed,” the Minister said.

“This issue has occurred due to the blatant activities of past politicians. Mahinda Rajapaksa wanted to take water to Hambantota.  Uma Oya, which was used to send water to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Rantebe and Randenigala was diverted to take water to Medamulana and Hambantota,” he charged. 

He accused the former President of giving the project to Iran despite warning; “The technology they used is all wrong,” he said. “ Now 8, 000 houses and the Bandarawela town are in danger. This was a project to realise the narrow political goals of the Rajapaksas’, he said.