Government Cracks Down on Illegal Tank Land Use as Boundary Redefinition Begins

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The redefining of the boundaries of the tank reserves will begin today.

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha said that the work will commence from Nuwarawewa in Anuradhapura.

The Minister said that currently, the tank reserves of all major tanks, as well as small tanks, have been illegally used by political allies and the public for their own purposes.

He pointed out that there are many illegal constructions in numerous reserves.

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha stated that politicians and officials of the government were behind granting permission for this.

Accordingly, steps should be taken to voluntarily vacate all persons residing illegally in the tank reserves starting today.

The Minister stated that after the redefining of the reserves, all unauthorized constructions will be removed from the tank reserves in the future, and the water will be released for the farmers to cultivate the Yala, Maha, and intermediate seasons without any hindrance.

He mentioned that, in addition, steps will be taken to enhance the tourist attraction of those areas by establishing afforestation in the tank reserves.