Letters

Landslide politics in Deniyaya

The 74th kilometre stretch on the Galle-Deniyaya Road has almost been destroyed by landslides.

Of the 12 culverts along this stretch, a majority have been washed away. A major reason for landslides is the lack of proper surface drainage for rainwater.

Most highways in Deniyaya electorate do not have surface drains. Even the culverts are clogged and do not allow the rainwater across the road. When rainwater stagnates upstream of the culvert the whole mass of earth is likely to come down.

A 'Road Week' was held in Deniyaya electorate just before heavy rains lashed the area recently. RDA staff cut village roads selected by politicians and earthmoving machinery was used. This was a vote-catching exercise and the main highways were neglected during this period.

Had this machinery been used on the 74th km to clear side drains to facilitate the smooth flow of rainwater and take it away from the road, the earthslip which devastated the road could have been prevented.

J. Wanniarachchi

Matara