The salinity barrier was constructed in 2019 as a special project by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board along the Nilwala River to prevent saltwater intrusion into drinking water sources in the Matara District.
However, the construction led to damage in a number of nearby farmlands. The current government has decided to compensate farmers affected in areas including Dikwella, Kamburupitiya, Kekanadura, Madiha, Malimbada, Meda Uyangoda, Thalalla, and Wilpita, particularly for losses to paddy cultivation.
Accordingly, Rs. 1,200 million has been allocated in the 2026 budget for this purpose.
Chairman of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, Premasiri Jasingarachchi, stated that the compensation payments will be made without delay.
