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Kilinochchi floods: Questions over suspension of probe
Questions are being raised about the abrupt suspension of investigations by a committee to probe whether negligent provincial irrigation officials contributed to the recent floods in Kilinochchi.The committee, appointed by former Northern Province Governor Reginald Cooray, was headed by Prof S.S. Sivakumar of the Jaffna University’s Engineering Faculty. Other members were Northern Province Engineering Services Deputy Chief Secretary S. Shanmugananthan, and Provincial Agriculture Director S Sivakumar.
Prof. Sivakumar told the Sunday Times that in their appointment letter, the Governor had instructed them to complete the probe and submit a report within a week. Accordingly, the three members met last week at the Kilinochchi campus of the Jaffna university to finalise the modalities of the committee so that they could immediately proceed with the probe. “However, about 30 minutes after the meeting ended, I got a call from the Governor’s Secretary telling me not to proceed with the inquiry until further notice. There has been no official communication from the Governor’s office since then,” Prof. Sivakumar said.
The professor expressed surprise at the sudden decision from the Governor’s office, saying no reason had been given for suspending the probe by the committee. The committee was appointed to probe several serious allegations over the floods. These included claims that the Iranamadu tank’s water level was allowed to reach 39.5 feet — 3.5 feet above the stipulated maximum water level — resulting in water spilling over the structure. There were also allegations that the tank’s sluice gates were then opened in full, abruptly, resulting in severe flood damage downstream.
The committee was to look into whether Provincial Irrigation Department officials were responsible for bad flood management and opening of gates, while not warning those living downstream to evacuate in time. The committee was also asked to identify those responsible, if any negligence was confirmed.
The Governor’s Secretary, L. Ilaangovan, confirmed that the probe had been suspended. He claimed the decision was taken as the committee’s chairman, Prof. Sivakumar, had made certain public comments that could be termed as ‘prejudicial.’ He said a new fact-finding committee would be appointed after President Maithripala Sirisena swore in a new Governor for the Northern Province.
Meanwhile, those who had been living in welfare camps after the floods in the Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Jaffna districts have gone back to their houses. The Disaster Management Centre’s Deputy Director, Pradeep Koddippili, said a valuation of damaged property was being conducted through the District Secretariats. Affected families had been given the initial compensation of Rs.10,000 each. Depending on the damage, compensation up to a maximum of Rs. 250,000 would be provided to each family to repair the damage, he added.
Total damage due to the floods in the Mullaitivu district has been estimated at Rs.3,932 million, according to figures from the Mullaitivu District Secretariat. A total of 32,561 people from 10,118 families were affected. The floods have destroyed 2,297 acres of farming land and 11,237 livestock. Further, 24 fishing boats that were anchored along the Mullaitivu coast have been swept out to sea, along with 224 fishing nets, figures show.
Meanwhile, six committees comprising 15 members each are assessing the damage in the Karachchi and Kandawalai Divisional Secretariat areas in the Kilinochchi district. The committees are to submit their reports to the District Secretary next week.