March 15, Colombo (LNW): Central Province’s Irrigation Engineer, Dinesh Sumanasekara, has raised concerns over the daily evaporation of approximately eight millimeters of water from the Victoria and Randenigala reservoirs. Sumanasekara highlighted the impact of prevailing high temperatures on water levels, stressing that despite the current availability of 88% of the reservoirs’ total capacity, there remains a looming risk of water scarcity for agricultural operations due to evaporation.
Addressing representatives of farmers’ organizations at a seasonal meeting held at the Minipe Divisional Secretariat, Sumanasekara underscored the crucial need for farmers to grasp the gravity of the situation and adopt efficient water management practices. He emphasized the significant loss of water through evaporation induced by elevated temperatures and absorption into parched ground.
The meeting, chaired by Kandy District Secretary Chandana Tennakoon, saw the attendance of key officials including Matale Additional District Secretary F.R.M. Rialdeen, Kandy Additional District Secretary Nilusha Bulathge, Minipe Acting Divisional Secretary Nuwan Hemakumara, Wilgamuwa Divisional Secretary D.M.T.U. Dissanayake, and Minipe Residential Business Manager S.H.L. Dayapala, among others.
