Jaffna Lagoon protected from salt water Intrusion

With the commencement of the development projects in Jaffna soon after the end of war the prevention of salt water intrusion into agricultural lands became the centre stage for livelihood assistance.

The Jaffna mainland and the Islands in Sri Lanka have 34 salt water exclusion bunds with funds allocated by the Ministry of Economic Development and 20 bunds have already been reconstructed.

This bund constructed at a cost of Rs. 120 million will prevent salt water intrusion into the Jaffna lagoon through which water is provided to over 5000 acres of cultivatable land in Jaffna.

The minister has set a target for completion of remaining 14 bunds by end of December 2011 and completion of all these bunds will help to cultivate 20,000 acres of land for paddy and other crops.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa during his five day tour in Jaffna from 13 July, declared open on Friday the important Ariyalai salt water exclusion bund at Navatkuli near Jaffna. The Minister inspected the bund with Minister Douglas Devananda and the Governor of the Northern Province G.A. Chandrasiri.