CEB bleeds Rs. 2.7 Billion over Samanala Wewa Reservoir’s water leak

• Rate of water leaks varies with the reservoir level
• Action underway to mend these leaking points

By Kelum Bandara 

In what appeared to be a startling revelation, 78 MCM of  water (million cubic metres) is leaked from Samanala Wewa annually, a  reservoir meant for hydropower generation, causing a loss of Rs.2. 7  billion to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), a top engineer said  yesterday.   

He said the rate of water leaks varies with the reservoir level.   

“The CEB is currently taking steps to fill the exposed sinkholes with mud and soil. Further lowering of the reservoir has been  requested for effective mending,” CEB Assistant General Manager  –Generation Division Dammika Navaratne said.   

Earlier, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera  said water had leaked from several points of the reservoir primary meant for  power generation, and action is now underway to mend these leaking points  for the conservation of more water.   

He said leaked water is used by some people downstream for agricultural and mini-hydropower generation activities.