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Migration of Mahaweli, Irrigation managers worsened Ditwah impact: Former Minister
Colombo, Jan. 28 (Daily Mirror) - Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has warned that the migration of experienced middle-level managers from institutions such as the Mahaweli Authority and the Department of Irrigation may have contributed to the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah.
Speaking at a seminar organized by the Dinana Dakuna Forum, Ranawaka highlighted Sri Lanka’s lack of expertise in reservoir management. “Even the private sector faces challenges due to this shortage. Institutions like the Department of Irrigation and the Mahaweli Authority no longer have middle managers with the necessary knowledge to manage reservoirs, which may have led to heavy damages during Cyclone Ditwah. This situation has arisen due to brain drain, as many skilled managers have migrated,” he said.
The former MP also criticized the country’s historical economic decisions, calling the non-implementation of reforms recommended by Indian economist B. R. Shenoy “Sri Lanka’s worst mistake.” He recalled that although the report was submitted to then-Minister J. R. Jayewardene, the government under late Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake was reluctant to act on it.
Ranawaka added that it is not too late for the country to take bold steps. “Sri Lanka should establish an economic corridor from Colombo to Trincomalee and open it to countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Implementing such a plan could help the country survive,” he said.
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