Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help the Sri Lankan authorities manage the potential impact of the Chunnakam power plant complex on the local water supply.

The UK Government is aware of the challenges Sri Lanka faces around water management and quality, and the unique challenges faced by communities in Northern Sri Lanka.  A number of public bodies in Sri Lanka, including the national water supply and drainage board, have conducted tests and compensation has been offered to those affected by water pollution caused by the Chunnakam Power plant. Officials from the British High Commission Colombo regularly visit the Northern province and meet with a wide range of stakeholders raising the issue with local government where appropriate. We will continue to engage with the authorities in support of clean water provision.