USD 248 Million Misappropriated in Uma Oya Project

A massive public protest in the Bandarawela town early this week against unprecedented environmental problems caused by Uma Oya project. The protest, backed by all political parties, drew large crowds from various parts of the Badulla District. Badulla District UNP MP Chaminda Wijesiri too participated in it.

Executive Director of CAFFE (Campaign for Free and Fair Election) and Anti-Corruption Front (ACF) advisor Keerthi Tennakoon also participated in this massive protest campaign. Even the President has acknowledged that injustice is done to them and he is also with them.

The CAFFE Executive Director said there was absolutely no basis for the Uma Oya water being diverted to Hambantota and claimed that the Uma Oya development had been approved in spite of a cost overrun of USD 248 mn during the Mahinda administration. He requested the government to launch an inquiry immediately into the Uma Oya project.

Tennakoon said all documents pertaining to Uma Oya project could be easily found and most importantly as those supported and opposed were still in the land of the living they could be questioned. Responding to another query, Tennakoon said that he was ready to face the consequences if he could be proved wrong.