The President's Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has ordered an urgent investigation into the potential role of the salt barrier in the recent floods that affected the agriculture sector in the Matara area. In a special discussion held at the President's Secretariat on November 8, the Department of Irrigation, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the officials of the relevant ministries worked together to solve this problem.

The focus was on whether this barrier, which was originally built to prevent the ingress of salt water, contributed to the floods and the resulting damage to farmlands along the Nilwala River. Dr. Kumanayake emphasized the need for a comprehensive study to find out the causes of the floods. Peradeniya University's engineering department agreed to provide support for that test.

Considering the ongoing damage to local livelihoods, the secretary directed the officials to formulate an action plan based on the findings of the study with a view to remedying the floods in the region and restoring normalcy. Furthermore, Dr. Kumanayake pointed out the importance of a structured flood management plan for Matara, coordinating efforts between the Irrigation Department and the Water Supply and Drainage Board.

Residents have expressed concern about the impact of the salt barrier, which has led to the loss of farmland, especially in the areas around the Nilwala River. Reiterating that solving this problem is a priority of the government, Dr. Kumanayake instructed the officials to continue to work for immediate and long-term solutions to the flood problem.