An injunction on the floating solar panel power plant at the Dambulla Ibbankatuwa reservoir

Steps have been taken to temporarily suspend the floating solar power project proposed to be built on an 18-acre land area in the Dambulla Ibbankatuwa Reservoir. The future activities of the project will be decided after a comprehensive feasibility study to be conducted in the future.

Speaking to the media while participating in a program to commence forest plantations around reservoir reserves, Mr. Nalinda Thilakarathne, Director of the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, stated that the Board of Directors of the Mahaweli Authority has decided to conduct a survey on the progress of similar projects implemented previously. He also mentioned that sixteen state institutions have already granted approval for this project, which is planned to be implemented by a private company.

He pointed out that before deciding whether to re-approve this project, close attention will be paid to how the relevant state institutions granted approval for it and the public opposition from local residents. Furthermore, Mr. Thilakarathne added that the approval for this Ibbankatuwa project will be considered based on the success and progress of the floating solar power project currently operating in the Kiriibbanara Chandrika Wewa Reservoir.

Meanwhile, Dambulla Mayor Wasantha Rajamanthree emphasized that he strongly opposes this project as it could cause severe damage to the reservoir and its surrounding environment. The Mayor also pointed out that a large number of people living in several areas, including Dambulla, Kekirawa, and Habarana, directly depend on the Ibbankatuwa Reservoir for their daily needs.