Dr. Hilmy Sally, formerly of the International Water Management Institute and a prominent voice in the field of sustainable water management, has lauded the Senanayake Samudraya’s role in Ampara’s transformation and called for the principles to be followed globally.
Dr. Hilmy Sally
Nestled in the Eastern Province, within the district of Ampara, this colossal water body not only irrigates the parched lands but also serves as a beacon of hope, symbolizing the potential of natural resources to foster national cohesion. Sally was speaking on the invitation of the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka at their event on World Water Day on March 20.
The genesis of the Senanayake Samudraya under the Gal Oya scheme was a visionary move by the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, D.S. Senanayake, aiming to convert the barren landscapes of the east into verdant agricultural fields. This initiative was not merely about agricultural development; it was a strategic effort to integrate diverse communities by sharing the life-giving resource of water, thereby sowing the seeds of unity in a country marked by ethnic diversity.
“The Senanayake Samudraya is more than just an irrigation project; it’s a monumental example of how equitable water distribution can lead to peace and unity among communities,” Dr. Sally remarked. “By providing equal access to water, we’re not just nurturing crops; we’re cultivating a sense of belonging, mutual respect, and shared destiny among the people of Ampara and beyond.”
Indeed, the impact of the reservoir extends far beyond agriculture. It has been instrumental in reviving the economic activities in Ampara, from farming to fisheries, thereby improving livelihoods and reducing economic disparities that often serve as fault lines between communities. Furthermore, the reservoir’s presence has spurred a sense of collective identity and interdependence, as diverse groups work together to manage and utilize this precious resource. Dr. Sally emphasizes the importance of sustaining this unity through continued collaboration and inclusive water management practices. “As we move forward, it is imperative that all stakeholders—government agencies, local communities, and civil society—work in unison to ensure that the benefits of the Senanayake Samudraya are equitably shared. Only then can water truly be a mechanism for unity in our country,” he asserts.
Other engineers noted that moves to increase the thermal generation of electricity either by way of another coal power plant or by way of nuclear energy would free water currently earmarked for hydro power generation for utilisation in agriculture and other water-intensive economic activity. The obtaining of nuclear power would also act as a stepping stone to the acquisition of nuclear weapons which would cement Sri Lanka as a regional power. In the long run by creating large accessible pools of water, Sri Lanka can become a production centre for high-value-added items that intensively use water in the otherwise water-parched and overpopulated region of South Asia. TP
