Trust to preserve Kandy Lake

By L.B.Senaratne

A Kandy Lake Trust was inaugurated at the Governor's office, with Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa named as the president. The forming of a Trust was mooted by Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa especially to finance the maintenance work on the lake.

The suggestion to set up a Trust was made during the minister’s last visit to Kandy to see the progress in the rehabilitation of the Kandy Lake. A constitution for the Trust was drawn up and it was expected that monies for the Trust would be forthcoming. The Mahanayakes of the Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters are the patrons of the Trust.

The Central Province Irrigation Department Accountant is the Treasurer of the Trust. The rehabilitation work on the lake started after then Irrigation Minister Anura Dissanayake requested an allocation for the purpose which was approved by the Cabinet. The rehabilitation work commenced under Regional Irrigation Director Mrs. Chandra Godaliyadde.The Kandy Lake was vested in the Irrigation Department by then Irrigation Minister Anuruddha Ratwatte.