Report sought on Sri Lanka dam, tunnel safety after tremors
COLOMBO – A report on the status of Sri Lanka’s dams and tunnels, particularly in the context of recent seismic events have been sought from key agencies in charge, a statement from the President’s Media Office said.
Presidential Advisor Sagala Ratnayake had sought a report from the Irrigation Department, the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority and the Ceylon Electricity Board within two weeks on the status of dams and tunnels and the cost of improving their safety.
The “potential impacts of recent seismic activity on the structural integrity of reservoirs and tunnels in the respective regions,” were discussed, as well as impact on normal operations.
Many reservoirs accumulate silt, reducing their water carrying capacity.
“This report is to encompass a detailed assessment of the current safety conditions of all reservoirs, lakes, dams and water-carrying tunnels across the island,” the statement said.
“Additionally, it is expected to outline the necessary repair work required and provide an estimation of associated costs.”
The report on the dams and tunnels will be submitted to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and “it will serve as a vital reference point for future policy decisions aimed at enhancing the resilience and functionality of Sri Lanka’s water infrastructure,” the statement said.
In 2005, LirneAsia, a Colombo-based policy research organization commenced a study on dam safety which led to a World Bank project.
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Victoria Dam, the tallest dam in Sri Lanka, located 10 miles from Kandy. Presidential Advisor Sagala Ratnayake had sought a report from the Irrigation Department, the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority and the Ceylon Electricity Board on the status of dams and tunnels and the cost of improving their safety – geosense.co.uk
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