|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 12 December 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Politics |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Two ministries in tug-of-war by Shanika Sriyananda Two Ministries - the Ministry of Mahaweli and River Basin Development and Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation are in a tug-of-war over the management and conservation of the country's water resources. Two separate water policies have already been formulated by the two Ministries. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Irrigation claims that the Ministry of Mahaweli Development had incorporated privatization of water resources in the country in its policy. It also says that it has been vested with the 'sole' responsibility of formulating a water policy as it is the main authority under which a large extent of country's water resources are managed. Piyal Parakrama, Environmental Consultant, Ministry of Irrigation told the 'Sunday Observer' that the Ministry prepared the 'National Water Policy' solely based on the United People's Freedom Alliance's assurance to the people that 'the government is not allowed to privatise waret resources'. "But in the water policy prepared by the Mahaweli Ministry the 'Water Resource Authority' and 'Water Tribunals' are to be established. These clearly indicate an effort to water privatization", he claimed. According to Parakrama, water management including issuing of water permits will be carried out by the 'Water Resource Authority' according to the policy drafted by the Ministry of Mahaweli Development "Under this policy, the 'Water Tribunal' will also be introduced to hear disputes between ordinary water customers and the owners", he pointed out. "The draft prepared by a team of local experts in the Ministry of Irrigation have been revised recently following public comments and the final draft is now ready", he added. According to Parakrama, the final draft will be submitted to the Cabinet approval before end of this month. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
