Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama,— To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation,— (1)

(a) Will he inform this House —

(i) whether the Department of Irrigation or the Water Resources Board has requested the University of Peradeniya to study and submit a report on the social, economic, and environmental concerns that have emerged due to the salinity barrier constructed across the Nilwala river during the period from 08.11.2024 to 14.01.2025;     

(ii) if so, whether a technical committee has been appointed by the University of Peradeniya in this regard;

(iii) if so, of the members of the said Committee;

(iv) of the current progress of the conduct of the Committee referred to above;

(v) of the date on which the report of the said Committee will be submitted; and

(vi) if the aforesaid Committee has not yet been appointed, of the reasons for that?      

(b) If not, why?