31st March 2016 23:58:00 Hours
Troops of the 3 (V) Gemunu Watch (3 GW) serving under the 58 Division of the Security Force Headquarters - West (SFHQ-West) offered their technical skills and constructed a preventive bund to avoid sea water infiltration into the Nilwala river under the close supervision of Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, Commander, SFHQ-West, following a request of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.
Around 100 troops of 3(V) GW participated in the project for four days continuously during March 23 - 27.
Around 72,000 people who are using Nilwala water were benefitted as a result of this project.
The officials of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board emphasized the immediate reduction of salinity level up until 1200 units if further contamination were to be avoided.
The salinity level of the water by then has reached 2000 although the drinking purpose should remain less than 900 units.
Troops of the SFHQ-West, laid about 10,000 sand bags on the bund to prevent sea water infiltration with the support of labourers in the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. In the meantime, Disaster Management Centre ensured the construction area was free from crocodiles.
Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, Commander, SFHQ-West, Brigadier J. Thantiriwaththa, Brigadier General Staff, SFHQ-West and several senior officers went to Matara and inspected the project on Friday (25).
