Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam
2026-03-04
Hon. (Dr.) Sathiyalingam raised a supplementary question regarding the rehabilitation of Sri Lanka's traditional cascade irrigation system, which comprises networks of small and medium tanks. He noted that 222 such tanks are abandoned in Vavuniya District alone, and argued that restoring them would provide multiple benefits including preventing deforestation, improving groundwater levels, supporting freshwater fisheries, and benefiting local villages. He asked whether adequate funds would be allocated in the coming fiscal year specifically to rehabilitate these village tanks in the Vanni region.
My second supplementary question is on the cascade irrigation system, a uniquely Sri Lankan, excellent irrigation model comprising networks of small and medium tanks. In Vavuniya District alone, 222 such tanks are abandoned. By rehabilitating these cascades, we can avoid deforestation for large new schemes, solve local environmental problems, improve freshwater fisheries, wildlife watering and groundwater levels, and benefit every village. Will adequate funds be allocated, at least in the coming year, to develop large numbers of these village tanks in the Vanni?