The Department of Irrigation is conducting a study on the nature of the leaks at the right banks of the Samanalawewa reservoir, following recent heavy rains and the report will be sent to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for further actions.

Recently, it has been reported that approximately 78 million cubic metres of water leaks from the Samanalawewa hydropower reservoir annually, causing a staggering loss of Rs.2.7 billion. Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has also acknowledged the severity of the issue, confirming the identification of seven water leakage points within the Samanalawewa reservoir.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (10), Director General of Irrigation Engineer Ajith Gunasekara said that the Irrigation Department is conducting a study on these leakages and a report is to be prepared based on the study.

He also said that the report will be sent to the CEB in order to take further actions in this regard and it is the responsibility of the CEB to take measures to repair. “Samanalawewa is under the administration of CEB, but as the main body which is responsible for the irrigation system in the country, we decided to conduct a study on the matter. Accordingly, the study report is to be presented to the CEB. After that, they can decide whether they give reparations to a contractor or to the Irrigation Department,” he said.

He also noted that the final decision in this regard must be taken by the CEB and a proper decision must be made as soon as possible.

However, reports indicate that the engineers at the CEB are awaiting board approval to address critical leaks at the right banks of the Samanalawewa reservoir and that the decision now rests with the General Manager of the CEB.