DEMOCRA

ATIC SOCIAL
LIST REPUB
BLIC OF SR
RI LANKA
MINISTR
RY HIGHW
WAYS, PORT
TS AND SHIP
PPING
ROAD DEVELOPM
MENT AUT
THORITY (R
RDA)

EXTE
ENSION OF
F SOUTHE
ERN EXPR
RESSWAY FROM MA
ATARA TO
O MATTAL
LA
(HAM
MBANTOT
TA)

ENVIRONMENTAL
L IMPACT
T ASSESSM
MENT
(Fin
nal Report)

Octo
ober 2013
3

Volume II Main R
Report

Su
ubmitted to
Central Environmental A
Authority
Ministrry of Environm
ment and Ren
newable Ene
ergy

Prepared
d and submittted by
Environ
nmental and Social Develo
opment Divission
elopment Autthority
Road Deve
Min
nistry of Highw
ways, Ports aand Shipping

Table of Contents
Listofabbreviations......................................................................................................................................7
Listofannexes..........................................................................................................................................8
Listoffigures.............................................................................................................................................8
Listoftables............................................................................................................................................10
Listofgraphs...........................................................................................................................................11
ExecutiveSummary.....................................................................................................................................12
1.

2.

Introduction........................................................................................................................................33
1.1.

Backgroundoftheproject..........................................................................................................33

1.2.

Objectiveandjustificationoftheproject...................................................................................35

1.3.

ObjectiveoftheEIAreport.........................................................................................................36

1.4.

MethodologiesandtechnologiesadoptedinEIAreportpreparation........................................36

1.4.1.

Methodologyforhydrologicalstudy...................................................................................37

1.4.2.

Methodologyforecologicalstudy......................................................................................38

1.4.3.

Methodologyforsocialstudy.............................................................................................39

1.4.4.

Methodologyformeasuringbaselineenvironmentalconditions......................................41

1.5.

Conformitywithgovernmentpoliciesandplans........................................................................41

1.6.

Preliminaryapprovalsneededfortheproject............................................................................42

Descriptionoftheproposedprojectandreasonablealternatives.....................................................43
2.1.

Evaluationofalternatives...........................................................................................................43

2.1.1.

Noprojectalternative.........................................................................................................43

2.1.2. ImprovementandwideningofColomboGalleHambantotaWellawaya(A002)
highway .............................................................................................................................................43
2.1.3.

RouteproposedinthestudycarriedoutbyuniversityofMoratuwainyear2007...........43

2.1.4.

Constructionofexpresswayonviaductvs.embankment..................................................45

2.1.5.

Selectionoffinalroute........................................................................................................46

2.2.

Descriptionofproposedproject.................................................................................................50

2.2.1.

Projectlocation...................................................................................................................50

2.2.2.

Projectlayoutplan..............................................................................................................52

2.2.3.

Ownershipofprojectsite....................................................................................................52

2.2.4.

Designdetailsofallprojectcomponents............................................................................53

2.2.5.

Methodologyofconstruction.............................................................................................57
2

3.

2.2.6.

Detailsofanyphaseddevelopmentactivitiesandtimeschedule......................................60

2.2.7.

Projectcost,investmentandfundingsources....................................................................61

Descriptionoftheexistingenvironment............................................................................................63
3.1.

3.1.1.

Existinglandusealongtheproposedcorridor...................................................................63

3.1.2.

Topography,Geologyandsoil.............................................................................................73

3.1.3.

Climaticandmeteorologicalfeatures.................................................................................75

3.1.4.

Surfaceandgroundwaterhydrologyanddrainage............................................................79

3.1.5.

Waterqualityandsourcesofwaterpollution....................................................................89

3.1.6.

Ambientairqualityandnoiselevels...................................................................................91

3.1.7.

Recordsonpastnaturaldisasters.......................................................................................94

3.2.

Biologicalenvironment...............................................................................................................94

3.2.1.

Proximitytoanysensitivereserves....................................................................................94

3.2.2.

Currentuseoflandandresourceswithinstudyarea.........................................................94

3.2.3.

Anassessmentofthepresentecologicalstatus...............................................................104

3.3.

4.

Physicalenvironment..................................................................................................................63

Socioculturalenvironment......................................................................................................107

3.3.1.

Existingsettlementsinandaroundtheprojectarea........................................................107

3.3.2.

Socioeconomicstatusofthepopulations........................................................................112

3.3.3.

Principleeconomicactivities.............................................................................................121

3.3.4.

Planneddevelopmentactivities........................................................................................123

3.3.5.

Availableinfrastructurefacilities......................................................................................124

3.3.6.

Culturally,historicallyandarcheologicallyimportantplaces...........................................127

3.3.7.

Noisesensitivereceptors..................................................................................................128

3.3.8.

Existingenvironmentalconsiderationsandissuesprevailinginthearea........................129

Anticipatedenvironmentalimpactsofproposedproject.................................................................130
4.1.

Hydrologicalimpacts.................................................................................................................130

4.1.1.

Impactsondrainagepatternofthearea..........................................................................131

4.1.2.

Impactsonfloodprotectionschemes..............................................................................132

4.1.3.

Impactsduringfloodsduetolossofretention/detentionarea.......................................132

4.2.

Impactsonbiodiversity.............................................................................................................136

4.2.1. Lossanddestructionofnaturalhabitatsandmigrationroutesofwildanimalscausingan
escalationinhumanelephantconflict.............................................................................................136
3

4.2.2.

Disturbancestofloraandfauna........................................................................................136

4.2.3.

Impactonaestheticvalue.................................................................................................140

4.2.4.

Establishmentofinvasivespecies.....................................................................................140

4.3.

Lossofcurrentuseofland,landscapeandresources..............................................................140

4.4.

Noise,vibrationandairqualityimpactsonnearbysettlementsandhabitats.........................141

4.4.1.

Noisenuisancetonearbysettlementsandhabitats........................................................141

4.4.2.

Nuisanceofvibrationtosettlementsandhabitats..........................................................143

4.4.3.

Airqualityimpactsonnearbysettlementsandhabitats..................................................144

4.5.

Impactsofslopefailureandearthslips....................................................................................145

4.6.

Social,culturalimpactsduetorelocationofcommunities......................................................146

4.6.1.

Numberofsettlementsandotherinstitutionstobeaffected.........................................146

4.6.2.

Impactsoflandacquisitionandresettlement..................................................................147

4.6.3.

Impactsonlivelihoodandeconomicactivities.................................................................148

4.6.4.

Impactsonirrigationstructuresanddrainagecanals.......................................................150

4.6.5.

Impactsduetodisruptionofexistinginfrastructurefacilities..........................................151

4.6.6.

Possibleothernuisancetoneighborhood........................................................................151

4.6.7.

Health,safetyandaccidents.............................................................................................152

4.6.8.

Impactsduetoextractionandtransportationofconstructionmaterialanddisposalofsoil
...........................................................................................................................................153

4.7.

Surfacewaterandgroundwaterpollution................................................................................154

4.8.

Contaminationofsoilandgroundsubsidence.........................................................................154

4.9.

Trafficcongestion......................................................................................................................155

4.10.
5.

Archeologicalsitesandimpacts............................................................................................155

Proposedmitigationmeasures.........................................................................................................157
5.1.

Mitigationmeasuresforhydrologicalimpacts.........................................................................157

5.1.1.

Impactsondrainagepatternofthearea..........................................................................159

5.1.2.

Impactsonfloodprotectionschemes..............................................................................160

5.1.3.

Impactsduringfloodsduetolossofretention/detentionarea.......................................160

5.2.

Mitigationmeasuresforimpactsonbiodiversity.....................................................................161

5.2.1. Lossanddestructionofnaturalhabitatsandmigrationroutesofwildanimalscausingan
escalationinhumanelephantconflict.............................................................................................161
5.2.2.

Disturbancestofloraandfauna........................................................................................162
4

5.2.3.

Impactonaestheticvalue.................................................................................................167

5.2.4.

Establishmentofinvasivespecies.....................................................................................167

5.3.

Mitigationmeasuresforlossofcurrentuseofland,landscapeandresources......................167

5.4.

Mitigationmeasuresforslopefailureandearthslips..............................................................168

5.5. Mitigationmeasuresfornoise,vibrationandairqualityimpactsonnearbysettlementsand
habitats.................................................................................................................................................169
5.5.1.

Noisenuisancetonearbysettlementsandhabitats........................................................169

5.5.2.

Nuisanceofvibrationtosettlementsandhabitats..........................................................170

5.5.3.

Airqualityimpactsonnearbysettlementsandhabitats..................................................171

5.6.

Mitigationmeasuresforsocial,culturalimpactsduetorelocationofcommunities...............172

5.6.1.

Numberofsettlementsandotherinstitutionstobeaffected.........................................172

5.6.2.

Impactsoflandacquisitionandresettlement..................................................................174

5.6.3.

Impactsonlivelihoodandeconomicactivities.................................................................175

5.6.4.

Impactsonirrigationstructuresanddrainagecanals.......................................................176

5.6.5.

Impactsduetodisruptionofexistinginfrastructurefacilities..........................................176

5.6.6.

Possibleothernuisancetoneighborhood........................................................................176

5.6.7.

Health,safetyandaccidents.............................................................................................177

5.6.8.

Impactsduetoextractionandtransportationofconstructionmaterialanddisposalofsoil
...........................................................................................................................................179

5.7.

Surfacewaterandgroundwaterpollution................................................................................180

5.8.

Contaminationofsoilandgroundsubsidence.........................................................................181

5.9.

Trafficcongestion......................................................................................................................182

5.10.

Archeologicalsitesandimpacts............................................................................................182

6.

Extendedcostbenefitanalysis..........................................................................................................183

7.

Environmentalmanagementandmonitoringprogramme..............................................................188

8.

Publicconsultationandinformationdisclosure...............................................................................189

9.

8.1.

OverviewofPublicConsultationandInformationDisclosureProcess.....................................189

8.2.

InformationDisclosure..............................................................................................................192

8.3.

Summaryofstakeholderandlineagencyviews.......................................................................192

Conclusionandrecommendation.....................................................................................................194
9.1.

Conclusions...............................................................................................................................194

9.2.

Recommendations....................................................................................................................195
5

10.

Listofreferences...........................................................................................................................196

List of abbreviations
APs

BOQ
CBA
CEA
CSC

DSDs
DWLC
ECBA
EIA

EIAR
EM

EMP
EMoP
EPL

ESCM
ESDD
FD

FR

FSL

GND
GoSL
GPS
GRM
GS&MB
HD

HFL

HH

IC

ICB

IT

kmph
LA

LAA
LHI

MCM
MER
MoPH
MSL
MSW
NAM
NBRO
NCPA
NEA
NIRP
NP

NPA

AffectedPersons
BillsofQuantities
CostBenefitAnalysis
CentralEnvironmentalAuthority
ConstructionSupervisionConsultant
DivisionalSecretaryDivisions
DepartmentofWildLifeConservation
ExtendedCostBenefitAnalysis
EnvironmentalImpactAssessment
EnvironmentalImpactAssessmentReport
EntitlementMatrix
EnvironmentalManagementPlan
EnvironmentalMonitoringPlan
EnvironmentalProtectionLicense
EnvironmentalSocialComplianceManual
EnvironmentalandSocialDevelopmentDivision
ForestDepartment
ForestReserve
FullSupplyLevel
GramaNiladariDivision
GovernmentofSriLanka
GlobalPositioningSystem
GrievanceRedressMechanism
GeologicalSurveyandMinesBureau
Hydrodynamic
HighFloodLevel
HouseHolds
Interchange
InternationalCompetitiveBidding
InformationTechnology
Kilometerperhour
LandAcquisition
LandAcquisitionAct
LankaHydraulicInstitute
Millioncubicmeters
ManageElephantReserve
MinistryofHighways,PortsandShipping
MeanSeaLevel
MunicipalSolidWaste
Hydrologicalmodel
NationalBuildingResearchOrganization
NationalChildProtectionAuthority
NationalEnvironmentalAct
NationalInvoluntaryResettlementPolicy
NationalPark
NationalPlanofAction
7

NWS&DB
PS

PSt

RAP
RBMC
RDA
ROW
SADP
SDA
SEW
SLR

STD
TOR
UDA
WTP

NationalWaterSupplyandDrainageBoard
PradeshiaSabha
PumpStation
ResettlementActionPlan
RightBankMainCanal
RoadDevelopmentAuthority
RightofWay
SouthernAreaDevelopmentProject
SouthernDevelopmentAuthority
SouthernExpressway
SriLankaRupees
SexuallyTransmittedDiseases
TermsofReference

UrbanDevelopmentAuthority
WillingnesstoPay

List of annexes
Annex1.1
Annex1.2
Annex2.1
Annex2.2
Annex2.3
Annex2.4
Annex3.1
Annex3.2
Annex3.3
Annex3.4
Annex3.5
Annex3.6
Annex3.7
Annex4.1
Annex4.2
Annex5.1
Annex7.1
Annex7.2
Annex8.1
Annex8.2
Annex8.3

Termsofreference
Listofexperts
Detailedlocation/layoutmap(withGoogleimagery)
GlobalPositionSystem(GPS)coordinatesofthefinalproposedtrace
Typicalcrosssections
Potentiallocationsformaterialextraction
Drainagemapofprojectarea
HydrologicalfeasibilitystudyforGodagamatoAndarawewasectionofSouthern
ExpresswayExtensionProject
Locationsforbaselinemeasurementsofsurfacewaterquality
Locationsforbaselinemeasurementsofambientairqualityandnoise
Googlemapsofecologicallysensitivereserves
Listoffaunaandfloraobservedinprojectarea
DetailsofsocioeconomicdataofprojectinfluencedDSDsandGNDs
Projectimpactmatrix
Socialmapofprojectareawithnoisesensitivelocations
DraftprojectEntitlementMatrix
EnvironmentalManagementPlan
EnvironmentalMonitoringPlan
Publicviewsoftheproject
Lettersfromlineagencies
Publicinformationleaflet

List of figures
Figure1.1
Figure2.1

Processflowchartusedtoobtainsocioeconomicdataandimpacts
FouralternateroutesstudiedunderthestudybyMoratuwaUniversity
8

Figure2.2
Figure2.3
Figure2.4
Figure2.5

ModifiedAlternateCorridorUniversityofMoratuwa(2007)
Routeoptionsforthe1st10kmsectionofexpressway
ChangedalignmentthroughDandeniyaforest
InitialandchangedalignmentfromBeliattatoMattala

Figure2.6
Figure3.1
Figure3.2
Figure3.3(a)
Figure3.3(b)
Figure3.4

GenerallocationmapoftheproposedtracefromMataratoMattala
ProposedtracethroughDandeniyaforestreserve
Panoramicviewsofexistinglandscapeofprojectarea
VerticalprofileoftheexpresswaysectionfromMataratoBeliatta(asperGPSlog)
VerticalprofileoftheexpresswaysectionfromBeliattatoMattala(asperGPSlog)
MaximumTemperatureanomalytrendofGalleandHambantotaregions(Source:
NationalAtlasofSriLanka,Secondedition,2007)
MinimumTemperatureanomalytrendofGalleandHambantotaregions(Source:
NationalAtlasofSriLanka,Secondedition,2007)
Wind roses for months of January, April, July and October developed by Dept. of
Meteorology
Riverbasinscrossedbytheproposedtrace
Walaweriverbasin
Walawebasinirrigationsystem
InundationareaofNilwalaRiveraroundtheproposedtracewithrespectto50and100
yearreturnperiods
Inundation area of Sinimodara Oya around the proposed trace with respect to 50 and
100yearreturnperiods
InundationareaofKiramaOyaaroundtheproposedtracewithrespectto50and100
yearreturnperiods
FloodinundationareasofUrubokkaOyawithrespectto50and100yearreturnperiods
FloodinundationareasofWalaweRiverwithrespectto50and100yearreturnperiods
(Source:HydrologicalFeasibilityStudy,LHI,July2013)
Emptyagrochemicalcontainerdisposednearamainirrigationwatercanal
Presentlanduseofproposedexpresswaytraceclosetochainage15+900
TheForestboundarymarkersoftheDandeniyaFRaroundchainage15+950
ThetraceapproachingtheFR(nearchainage16+100)
SectionwithinDandeniyaFRthroughwhichtheexpresswaywillpassthrough
ThepatchofboggylandwithinDandeniyaFR
EndemicCeylontreenymph(Ideaiasonia)butterflyobservedatchainage16+200
ProposedexpresswaytracepassesclosetotheThambagalaella(waterfall)atchainage
15+400
AreaofinundationofNilwalariverwithandwithoutprojectconditions
AreaofinundationofSinimodaraOyawithandwithoutprojectconditions
AreaofinundationofKiramaOyawithandwithoutprojectconditions
InundationareacomparisonsforwithandwithoutprojectscenarioofUrubokkaOya
InundationareacomparisonsforwithandwithoutprojectscenarioofWalaweriver
FragmentationofDandeniyaFR

Figure3.5
Figure3.6
Figure3.7
Figure3.8
Figure3.9
Figure3.10
Figure3.11
Figure3.12
Figure3.13
Figure3.14
Figure3.15
Figure3.16
Figure3.17
Figure3.18
Figure3.19
Figure3.20
Figure3.21
Figure3.22
Figure4.1
Figure4.2
Figure4.3
Figure4.4
Figure4.5
Figure4.6

Figure4.7
Figure4.8
Figure5.1
Figure5.2

Monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) walking along the central lane of the Southern
expresswayneartoapaddyfieldandmarshylandoneitherside
Dogsrestinginthesouthernexpressway(operationalsection)
Noisebarriersproposedforexpressways
Anexampleofacanopybridgeoveraroad(Source:BiotaNeotrap.Vol13no.1

CampinasJan./Mar.2013)
Figure5.3(a) Asketchshowingabirdflyingpathwaydiversionstructure
Figure5.3(b) Apictureofabarriertoincreasetheflyingheightofbirds
Figure5.4
Wildlife exclusion fencing and culvert design for wildlife underpass (Source: wildlife
crossingstructurehandbookdesignandevaluationinNorthAmerica,2011)
Figure5.5
Anexampleofawildlifesignboard

List of tables
Table1.1
Table2.1
Table2.2
Table2.3
Table2.4
Table2.5
Table2.6
Table2.7
Table2.8
Table2.9(a)
Table2.9(b)
Table3.1
Table3.2
Table3.3
Table3.4
Table3.5
Table3.6
Table3.7
Table3.8
Table3.9
Table3.9(a)
Table3.10
Table3.11(a)
Table3.11(b)
Table3.12
Table3.13(a)
Table3.13(b)

Samplinglocationsofproposedsouthernexpresswayextension
AdministrativedivisionsaffectedintheprojectareafromMataratoMattala
DetailsofinterchangeswithinMataraandMattalaofSEWextension
DesigndetailsofMataratoMattalaofSEWextension
Chainageofproposedbridge,underpassandoverpasslocations
Proposedgeometricalstandardsfortheexpressway
Estimatedquantitiesofmaterial
LandavailableformaterialdisposalatBeliattaDSD
Scheduleofconstructionactivities
Estimatedengineeringcostforconstructionofsection1
Estimatedengineeringcostforconstructionofsections2,3and4
Characteristicsofagroecologicalzonesoftheprojectarea
Streams, rivers, irrigation canals and other drainage canals crossed by the proposed
trace
HFLvaluesfor100yearreturnperiods
Parametersandlocationsforsurfacewaterqualitymonitoring
Resultsofthebaselinesurfacewaterqualitymonitoring
Descriptionofthelocationsofairqualityandnoiselevelmonitoring
Concentrationofeachairqualityparameteratsamplinglocation
NoiseLevelsateachmonitoringlocation
Relativepercentagesofeachtypeofhabitatsfoundwithinthestudyarea
FloralcompositioninDandeniyaforestreserve
SummaryofwoodyplantdiversitywithintheDandeniyaAparekkaforestreserve
SummaryoffaunaldiversitywithintheDandeniyaAparekkaforestreserve
SummaryoffaunaldiversitywithintheDandeniyaAparekkaforestreserve
Existingsettlement/housingwithintheDSDsandrespectiveGNdivisions
LandholdingstatusofprojectaffectedDSDsandGNDsfromMataratoBeliatta
LandholdingstatusofprojectaffectedDSDsandGNDsfromBeliattatoMattala
10

Table3.14
Table3.15

Summaryofsocioeconomicstatusofthepopulation
EconomicparametersVs.populationinprojectinfluentialDSDsandGNDsfromMatara
toMattala
Table3.16
Gendercompositioninthecountry,Southernprovince,Matara,Hambantota,Ratnapura
districtsandprojectinfluentialarea
Table3.17(a) MajorandminorroadsinprojectinfluentialDSDsbetweenMataraandBeliatta
Table3.17(b) MajorandminorroadsinprojectinfluentialDSDsfromBeliattatoMattala
Table3.18
InstitutionsforhealthcareinDSDswithintheextensionofSEW
Table3.19
NumberofschoolslocatedineachprojectinfluencedDSDsfromMataratoMattala
Table3.20
Culturally,historicallyandarchaeologicallyimportantplaces
Table4.1
HFLcomparisonforwithandwithoutproposedexpresswaytrace
Table4.2
Constructionequipmentnoiseemissionlevels
Table4.3
Vibrationsourcelevelsforselectedconstructionequipment
Table4.4
SummaryofaffectedlandusecategoryandNo.ofaffectedhouseholds
Table4.5(a) ExtentoflandunderdifferentcropsandaffectedareawithinMataratoBeliattasection
Table4.5(b) ExtentoflandunderdifferentcropsandaffectedareawithinBeliattaandMattala
Table5.1
ProposedviaductsectionsbetweenMataraandBeliattasectionofexpressway
Table5.2
Potentiallandsiteswhichcouldbeusedforresettlementsitesanddisposal
Table8.1
Asummaryofstakeholdermeetings

List of graphs
Graph4.1

CO2emissionlevelsatdifferentspeedsofvehicles

11

Executive Summary

Introductionandjustificationofproject
ThedistrictofHambantotahavingalandareaof2496km2whichalsoincludesacoastalregionhasbeen
identified as a potential region of the country to be developed as an international development hub.
Located in the southern province Hambantota district at present is a focal point for the present
GovernmentofSriLankatocarryoutmanymegadevelopmentprojects,whichincludetheMagampura
MahindaRajapakseseaport,MahindaRajapakseInternationalAirportatMattalaandsafaripark.
In order to sustain this development, Hambantota should be efficiently linked with Colombo the
economic capital of the country. A land based link is more suitable as more than 90% the countrys
goodsandpassengertransportisbasedonlandbasedtransport.TheNationalPhysicalPlanningPolicy
andPlanSriLanka(20062030)preparedbytheNationalPhysicalPlanningDepartmenthasindicated
to extend the railway line from Matara to Batticaloa (via Hambantota) and to extend the Southern
Expressway(SEW)fromMataratoMonaragala(viaHambantota).
RoadDevelopmentAuthority(RDA)ofMinistryofHighways,PortsandShipping(MoPH)initiatedastudy
in year 2001 to identify a suitable land based route to extend the SEW from Matara to Mattala via
Beliatta.BasedonthefindingsRDAfurtherrefinedtherouteavoidingmany environmentalandsocial
sensitiveissues.ThefinalroutefromMataratoMattalawillbedividedintotwo(2)segmentsandwithin
eachsegmenttherewillbeseparatecontractualpackages.Thetwosectionswithcontractualpackages
areasfollows;
1.

Section1:FromMataratoBeliatta(approximately30km)(package1)

2.

Section2:FromBeliattatoMattala(approximately50.5km)includes;

Package2:FromBeliattatoWetiya

Package3:FromWetiyatoAndarawewa

Package4:FromHambantotatoMattala(viaAndarawewa)

As per the National Environmental Act (NEA) regulations the project is considered as a prescribed
projectwhichrequiresanenvironmentalassessment.CentralEnvironmentalAuthority(CEA)hasissued
two(2)separateTermsofReference(TOR)fortheEnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA).
WiththechangeinscopeofBeliattatoMattalasectionofthetrace(exclusionoftherailwayline)itwas
decided to produce a single Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) from Matara to Mattala
whileaddressingtherequirementsofaboveTORs.
The EIA study will outline the adverse and beneficial environmental impacts that would be created at
various stages of the project. It will also elaborate on mitigation measures to minimize the adverse
12

impacts.Thereportwillproviderecommendationstobeadoptedduringdetaildesign,constructionand
operationoftheproject,whichwillguidetheprojecttobeanenvironmentallyviableproject.TheEIA
study included a hydrological study as a section of proposed trace is located within the Nilwala and
Walawe river flood planes which are sensitive areas with respect to surface water hydrology. An
ecologicalstudywascarriedouttoassesstheexistingecologicalfeaturesoftheprojectarea(including
Dandeniyaforestreservearea)andpossibleimpactsoftheproject.AllGramaNiladariDivisions(GNDs)
throughwhichtheproposedtraceislocatedwereconsideredastheimmediateprojectinfluentialarea
onsocialenvironment.

Salientfeaturesoftheproject
The project is to extend the existing SEW from Matara to Mattala at Hambantota via Beliatta. The
proposed trace will be located through 13 Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Matara, Hambantota
districtsofsouthernprovinceandRatnapuradistrictofSabaragamuwaprovince.
Table(a)AdministrativedivisionsaffectedintheprojectareafromMataratoMattala
Province
District
DSDivision
MCorPS
Southern
Matara
Malimbada
MalimbadaPS
province
Thihagoda
ThihagodaPS
Devinuwara
DevinuwaraPS
KirindaPuhulwela
KirindaPuhulwela
PS
Hambantota
Beliatta
BeliattaPS
Thangalle
ThangallePS
Weeraketiya
WeeraketiyaPS
Angunakolapellessa Angunakolapellessa
PS
Ambalantota
AmbalantotaPS
Hambantota
HambantotaUC&
PS
Sooriyawewa
SooriyawewaPS
Lunugamwehera
LunugamweheraPS
Sabaragamuwa
Ratnapura
Embilipitiya
EmbilipitiyaPS
province
MC=MunicipalCouncilPS=PradeshiaSabhaDS=DivisionalSecretariatGN=GramaNiladari

ThetrafficloadmainlyonexistingColomboGalleHambantotaWellawaya(A002)highwaywillbe
increased if such project is not executed. However, there will be no impact on existing ecological
environment(bytheproject)iftheprojectisnotexecuted.
In order to minimize the impact of resettlement the proposed trace has been mainly located through
agriculturallands.Mostofthelandsaffectedbytheproposedprojectareatpresentprivatelyowned.
These private lands and lands belonging to other state agencies within the proposed Right of Way
(ROW)willbeacquiredfortheprojectunderlandAcquisitionAct(LAA)beforethecommencementof

13

the project. Therefore, when the land acquisition is completed the land within the proposed corridor
willbevesteduponRDA.
The trace proposed in year 2007 by the Transportation Engineering Division of Department of Civil
EngineeringofUniversityofMoratuwa,wasmodifiedtofurtheravoidareaswithenvironmentandsocial
issues. Four route options were considered for the first 13 km of the trace from Matara and it was
decidedtouserouteoption1whichisplacedathighgroundofupperreachesofNilwalafloodplane.
Constrictionofthissectionincludesviaductstoatotallengthof5.25kmwhichwillfacilitatetheexisting
flowpaths.
ProposedextensiontoSEWwillhaveeight(8)Nos.ofInterchangesatGodagama,Dandeniya,Beliatta,
Kahagalla, Angunakolapellessa, Wetiya, Sooriyawewa and Mattala and one system interchange at
Andarawewa.

14

Mattala

Andaraw
wewa
system IC

Chainaage0+000

Beliiatta(withIC)

Matara(G
Godagama)

Figure(a)Generallocationmapoff theproposedtraacefromMataratoMattala
15

Designdetailsofallprojectcomponents
Theexpresswaywillbeconstructedasanelevatedstructuremainlyonviaductsandembankment.Initial
construction of the expressway will be only four (4) lanes. Length of the trace, viaduct length, cut/fill
length, height of the embankment, width of the ROW, number of lanes, interchanges, grade
separated crossings (overpasses, underpasses etc.), drainage provisions, service areas to be kept are
summarizedbelow.Notunnelswillbeconstructedunderthisproject.
Table(b)DesigndetailsfromMataratoMattalaofSEWextension
Item Designdetail
Chainage0+000to
Chainage
30+000to
30+000
56+000
1
Lengthoftrace(km)
26.00
30.00
2
Viaductlength(km)

5.25
3
Cut length LHS
2.86
1.62
(km)

5
6
7

8
9
10
11

12

Chainage
56+000to
71+000
15.00
0.600
2.0

Chainage
71+000to
80+500
9.50
0.930
1.57

RHS
2.72
2.00
1.72
1.21
Fill length LHS
12.14
13.38
12.4
7.06
(km)

RHS
12.28
13.00
12.68
7.42
Height
of
434
416
412
412
embankment(m)
WidthofROW(m)
80200
80140
80120
80120
No.
of Initial
04
04
04
04
lanes

Ultimate
06
06
06
06
No.ofinterchanges
03
02
02
01
No.ofunderpasses
22
20
09
02
No.ofoverpasses
05
05
03
00
Drainageprovisions
Both surface & subsurface drainage shall be provided by considering
theoverallvolumeofwatertobehandledandthetimedistributionof
thedischarge(Asperthedetailedhydrologicalstudy).Alldrainsshall
bebuiltupandnecessarypipeculverts,sideditches,catchbasingand
head/wingwalls,etc.willbeprovided.
Chainage
Serviceareas
Chainage22+100to
Chainage
70+100to
22+600
35+300to
35+700(LHS) 70+600
Chainage
37+400to
37+800(RHS)
(Optional)

Underpassesandoverpasseswillbeconstructedatsuitablelocationsasidentifiedintheinitialdesigns.
Mostsignificantconstructionoperationsinvolvedintheprojectcouldbelistedasbelow;

16

Clearingoflandandgrubbingoperations
Earthworkandrockexcavation
Softgroundtreatment
Cuttingofslopes
Constructionofbridges,viaductsectionsandculverts
Slopeprotectionandconstructionofdrainagefacilities
Layingofsubbase
Layingofbinderandwearingcourse

A labour force of about 2500 labourers (including skilled and semiskilled) will be required for the
construction work of the entire stretch of the expressway. The labourers will be supervised through
laboursupervisors,TechnicalofficersandSiteEngineersandlabourcampswillneedtobeconstructed
closetotheproposedROW.Separatelabourcampswillbesetupforfemalelabourandlabourcamps
willalsobeconstructedonlyatlocationsapprovedbylocalauthorities
Once operational there would be routine maintenance work, periodic maintenance work and
emergencymaintenanceworkforthegeneralupkeepoftheexpressway.

Quantitiesofrawmaterialsrequiredandsources
Sand,Gravelandaggregatearethemostcommonmaterialthatwillberequiredtobeextractedfrom
naturalresources.Approximatequantitiesofmaterialforthissectionofexpressway(basedonBillsof
Quantities)arelistedbelow.
Table(c)Estimatedquantitiesofmaterial
Typeofmaterial
Chainage 0+000 to Chainage 30+000 to Chainage 56+000 to
30+000
56+000
71+000
Estimatedquantity(m3) Estimatedquantity(m3) Estimatedquantity(m3)
Sand
70,000
27,000
24,000
Gravel
5,500,000
6,100,000
3,600,000
Aggregate
950,000
820,000
400,000

Wasteintheformofexcavatedsoilwillbegeneratedundersoftgroundtreatment.Landclearingwill
yield remains of demolished structures and uprooted vegetation. Construction yard waste such as oil,
greaseusedmachinerypartswillalsobegeneratedaswastematerialduringtheconstructionstage;and
labour camps will be another source of waste generation. Lands lots have been identified within the
DSDs of Beliatta, Kirinda Puhulwella, Angunakolapellessa, Sooriyawewa and Lunugamwehera which
couldbeusedasdisposalsitesand/orsitesforrelocatingaffectedfamilies.
Therewillbenophasingofconstructionwithinthissectionofexpressway.Thecontractwillbeawarded
asafour(4)separatesectionsasfollows;
Section1:FromMataratoBeliatta(30.0km)

17

Section2:FromBeliattatoWetiya(26.0km)
Section3:FromWetiyatoAndarawewa(15.0km)
Section4:FromArabokkatoMattala(includingAndarawewasystemICtoMattala)(24.0km)
It is expected to start land acquisition work during the final quarter of year 2013 for all sections.
Constructionworkisscheduledtocommenceinfirstquarterofyear2014foraperiodof30months.The
estimatedprojectcostforconstructionofexpresswayextensionfromMataratoMattalawillbe174.9
Billion SLR (without Provisional Sum Price Escalation 10% and Contingencies 10%). Government of Sri
LankahasrequestedtheEximBankofChinathroughtheGovernmentoftheRepublicofChina.

Descriptionoftheexistingenvironment
Firstfewkilometersoftheexpressway(uptochainage13+000)islocatedoverupperreachesofNilwala
floodplane(upstreamend).Thissectionalsopassesoverpaddyfields,marshylandsandfewsettlement
areas on highland. Remaining trace up to Beliatta will be located mainly on paddy fields, estates with
coconut,cinnamon,homegardensandthroughanarrowpatchinDandeniyaforest.BeliattatoMattala
section will be located over paddy lands, Coconut estates, plantations of banana, home gardens, and
shrubjungleandwaterbodiessuchasWalaweriver.
DandeniyaforestisareservedforestundertheForestDepartment.Dandeniyaforestreserveshowsthe
characteristicsoftropicallowlandrainforest.Dandeniyaforestisnotanisolatedforestinthisregionas
Kirinda Mahayaya, Masmullakelle, Kekunadura forest reserves which are also considered as lowland
rainforestsarelocatednearvicinityofthisforestreserve.TreespeciesbelongingtoDipterocarpus(hora)
iscommonwithinthisforestarea.
Rolling, undulating to flat topographical features could be observed along the proposed trace.
Topographicalvariationalongthecenterlineforthissectionvariesfrom1mto130maboveMeanSea
Level(MSL)wherethehighestelevationisreachedatIhalagoda.
Geologicallyabout90%oftheprojectareaconsistsofPrecambrianrocks,whichweremetamorphosed
and highly deformed under upper amphibolites to granulite facies conditions about 610 550 million
yearsago.
TheprojectareaislocatedwithinagroecologicalzonesofWL2a,IL1a,IL1b,DL1bandDL5withinLow
countrywetzone,LowcountryIntermediatezoneandLowcountrydryzone.

Surfaceandgroundwaterhydrologyanddrainage
Thenaturaldrainageoftheprojectareaistowardsthecoastalbelt(radiatingfromthecentralhilllands)
andamostlycrossingthetraceinamoreperpendicularmanner.Nilwalariver,SinimodaraOya(river)
andKiramaOya(river),RekawaOya(river),UrubokkaOya(river),KachigalAra(river),Walaweriverand
Malala Oya (river) are the major drainage basins that are crossed by the expressway. The streams
crossedbythissectionofexpresswayarelistedbelow.
18

Table(d)Rivers,streamsandtributariescrossedbytheproposedtrace

Nameofthestream
Chainage(km)
Remarks
01 Minor tributary of Nilwala 2+400

River
02 TributaryofNilwalaRiver
2+800to3+400

03 do
3+400to6+400
Flows parallel to the
trace
Locatedwithin
04 MainstreamofNilwala
6+600

Nilwalaflood
05 Minor tributary of Nilwala 7+850

plain
River
06 Kanduwela Ela (A tributary 9+900

ofNilwalaRiver)
07 A tributary of Kanduwela 10+000to13+000
Flows parallel to the
Ela
trace
08 ThambagalaEllastream
15+350

09 Aminorstream
19+100

10 Aminorstream
21+550

11 SinimodaraOya(astream) 24+500

12 KiramaOya(astream)
30+200

13 RekawaOya(astream)
34+500

14 UrubokkaOya
43+400and43+600

15 Irrigationcanal
43+900
Source of water
ChandrikaWewa
16 Irrigationcanal
46+850
do

17 Irrigationcanal
50+000
do

18 Stream
51+500

19 Irrigationcanal
52+250
Source of water
ChandrikaWewa
19 Stream
53+500

20 Irrigationcanal
54+000
Source of water
ChandrikaWewa
21 Stream
54+200

22 EkeEla
56+300
Main
canal
of
ChandrikaWewa
23 Irrigationcanal
56+650
Distributarycanal

24 Minor tributary of Walawe 58+000

river
25 WalaweRiver
59+800

26 Stream
64+500

27 MahaweligadaAra
66+500

19


28
29
30
31

Nameofthestream
Irrigationcanal
Irrigationcanal
MahaAra
Left bank canal of Andara
Wewa
MallaAra

Chainage(km)
70+400
70+700
72+300
73+000

Remarks

32
77+470

ThefirstfewkilometersoftheproposedtraceislocatedwithinNilwalafloodprotectionschemewhich
wascommencedinyear1979.BundsatThudawa,MagalagodaandThalgahagodaarethemainbundsof
the system. Pumping stations are also an integral part of the scheme which is used to mechanically
pumpoutwatermainlyduringfloodsituations.

Waterquality,airqualityandNoise
ItcouldbeobservedthattheBOD5levelsofallmeasuredpointsarebelowthestandardcriteria.Total
coliformcountsatsomelocationsareabovethestandardcriteria.Bathingofcattleandwashingoffarm
machinery,disposalofemptycontainersofagrochemicalsaremajorsourcesofsurfacewaterpollution.
Existingambientairqualityandnoiselevelsaremostlywithinstipulatedstandards.

Biologicalenvironment
Proposed project traverses through the least impact area of the Dandeniya forest reserve belongs to
ForestDepartment(FD)andManagedElephantReserve(MER)atAndarawewamanagedbyDepartment
ofWildlifeConservation(DWLC).
Both manmade habitats i.e., home gardens, paddy fields, plantations of rubber, coconut & cinnamon
and natural or semi natural habitats i.e., marshland, rivers, streams, scrubland and forest could be
observed within the study area. The natural habitats have been subjected to the impact of human
activitiestovaryingextentsneverthelesstheyretainsomedegreeofnaturalness.

Socioculturalenvironment
Theprojecttracepassesthroughatotalof82GNDswithin13DSDs.Thetotalnumberofhousingwithin
eachDSDandthecumulativenumberofhousinglocatedwithinaffectedGNDsispresentedbelow.
Table(e)Existingsettlement/housing
Administrative
Housing
area
DSDs
Cumulativenumberof
housingGNDs(#)
Malimbada
8,899
2,231
Thihagoda
8,434
3,153
Devinuwara
11,656
1,179
KirindaPuhulwella
5,196
806

%affecteddirectly
andindirectly
25.07%
37.38%
10.11%
15.51%
20

Administrative
area
Beliatta
Thangalle
Weeraketiya
Angunakolapellessa
Ambalantota
Embilipitiya
Sooriyawewa
Hambantota
Lunugamwehera
Total

DSDs
14,323
18,268
10,926
12,715
18,543
34,992
11,474
14,518
8,453
178,397

Housing
Cumulativenumberof
housingGNDs(#)
3,439
375
506
3,598
760
636
3,524
568
789
21,564

%affecteddirectly
andindirectly
24.01%
2.05%
4.63%
27.52%
4.09%
1.82%
30.71%
3.91%
9.33%
12.09%

MajorityofthepopulationintheprojectinfluentialareabelongtotheethnicgroupofSinhala.Among
thepopulationBuddhistaremoreinnumber.Populationbetweenages1559aremorecomparedtothe
populationbetweenagegroupslessthan15yearsandmorethan60years.Majorityofthepopulation
hasatleastattendedschooluptoG.C.E.OrdinaryLevel.
Agriculture is the principle economic activity in the project area. With small scale industries such as
pottery,sawmills,Copparaandcoconutoilmills,ricemills,goldandbrassindustry,woodcraftingalso
contributing to the local economy. Off shore fishing is done in Hambantota DSD at commercial level
while inland fisheries are mainly for daily consumption needs. Apparel sector is another economic
activitythatisdominantinthethreedistrictsthroughwhichtheexpresswaypassesthrough.
Theprojectinfluentialareaingeneralhasaccesstoelectricity,telecommunication,pipewatersupply,
healthandeducationalfacilities.
Few historically and archaeologically important places could be identified within the 13 DSDs through
which the proposed trace is located. But no such site was observed within the study corridor for this
assessment.

Anticipatedenvironmentalimpactsofproposedproject
The projectistoconstructanewexpresswayovermarshylands,floodplanes,cultivatedlands,home
gardensandsettlementsandforestareas,toconnectColomboandHambantotadistricts.Suchaproject
will yield both adverse and beneficial impacts to the physical, biological and social environments.
Impactscouldbeshortandlongterminvaryingmagnitudes.

Hydrologicalimpacts
This is one of the most significant adverse impacts that could arise due to the project. Design and
construction of long embankment sections is one of the main reasons causing hydrological impacts.
21

Lengthyembankmentswithinadequatedrainageopenings(sizeandplacement)willleadtochangein
surfaceflowintheupstreamarea,frequentfloodandprolongedinundationconditions.
Naturaldrainagepatternalongtheproposedtracewillalsobeaffectedbyconstructionoftemporarily
pilotroadswithoutprovidingadequatecrossdrainage.Naturaldrainagepatterncouldalsobedisturbed
ifconstructionmaterialtemporarystoredclosedtowaterbodiesorexcavatedsoilarewashedintothe
streams(washedbystormwater).
Blockage of drainage canals will have an impact on cultivation activities resulting in loss of crop and
produceespeciallyintheupstreamsideofthedrainagepath.
Anyhindrancetodrainagestructureswithinthesystemcouldleadtofloodingandlongterminundation
ofupstreamsideduringoperationalstageoftheproject.
There is a possibility of accidental damage to Naimbada Flood protection bund of Nilwala flood
protectionscheme(chainage6+600).Suchdamageswillultimatelyaffectthefunctionofthebundand
overtoppingoffloodwaterevenduringtheoperationalstageoftheproject.
Construction of embankment sections for the expressway and temporary pilot roads and other
temporary structures within flood planes (especially within Nilwala and Walawe river flood planes)
wouldreducethefloodretentioncapacitywhichisbeapermanentnegativeimpact.
Non removal of temporary pilot roads and other temporary structures will cause problems during
operationstageofproject.
Encroachmentandfillingoflowlyinglandswillalsonegativelyimpactonflooddetentioncapacityofthe
floodbasinsthatarecrossedbytheexpressway.Thissituationmayariseevenwithouttheproject.
Impactsonbiodiversityduetolossofforestlandsanddisturbancestofloraandfauna
Removal of trees and vegetation is unavoidable in a project of this magnitude. This will cause loss of
feeding,breeding,restingandroostingsitesofanimalsintheprojectarea.Constructionworksemitting
dust,heavynoiseandvibrationwillcauseseriousdisturbancetoterrestrialandavianfauna.Washedoff
soilandsedimentswilladverselyaffectthesurvivalofaquaticfloraandfauna.
Spillsoftoxicorhazardousmaterialtakeplacenearwaterbodiesmayleadtocontaminationofwater
utilizedbyfaunaintheprojectarea.
DandeniyaforestreserveandThambagalaellaareaaremostsusceptibletoimpactsonaestheticvalue.
A fragmentation of Dandeniya FR is unavoidable. But some of the impacts of such fragmentation,
especiallytheimpactofedgeeffectcouldbeminimized.Possibilityofspreadingalieninvasivespecies
couldalsooccurintheprojectarea.
Beliatta to Mattala section of the proposed expressway will be generally constructed over an
embankment. Construction of expressway section from chainage 71+000 to 78+000 will bisect the
Managed Elephant Reserve (MER) disturbing the roaming pattern of the elephants. With less land to
22

roamandlossoffeedinggroundwillmaketheseelephantsmoveintohumansettlementscausingan
escalationinhumanelephantinteractionandconflictinandaroundtheprojectarea.
Poachingandhuntingofwildlifecouldalsooccurespeciallyduringtheconstructionphaseoftheproject.
Collisionandrunoverofanimalsbyfastmovingvehiclesalongtheexpresswaywillbeamajorimpacton
faunaduringoperationstageoftheproject.Suchcollisionswillalsocausedamagetovehiclesandeven
injuriestopassengerstravellinginsuchvehicles.

Lossofcurrentuseofland,landscapeandresources
PresentlandusewithinproposedRightofWay(ROW)whichismainlyabandonedandcultivatedpaddy
fields, marshy lands, flood planes of Nilwala and Walawe rivers, highlands with coconut, tea and
cinnamonplantations,homegardensandtownareaswillbechangedintoembankmentandsurfaceof
expressway.

Noise,vibrationandairqualityimpactsonnearbysettlementsandhabitats
Thesignificantincreaseofnoiselevelsduringconstructionwillbeoftemporarynature.Butthiswillbea
nuisancetopublicandterrestrialandavianfauna.
Construction activates will result in varying degrees of ground vibration which could simply feel by
residentsordamagestructuresatextremeconditions.
Clearing and grubbing operations, blasting and quarrying operations, cut and fill operations and
embankment work will release substantial amounts of dust to the atmosphere. Dust will be a public
nuisanceandcouldalsocauserespiratorydiseases.
Exhaust gases containing CO, CO2, SOx and NOx emitted from construction machinery also lead to
degradationofairquality.Operationofasphaltplant,concretebatchmixingplantandcrusherplantwill
alsoemitdustandotherfumestotheatmosphere.Burningofcementbags,wastegeneratedinlabour
camps and vehicle servicing yards will also release gases, fumes and dust which could be potential
sourceofairpollution.
Noiselevelsgeneratedbymovingvehicles(atspeedsabove80kmph)alongtheexpresswayonceitis
operational will also be at a higher level. Prolong exposure to such noise levels will be a nuisance to
publicaswellasfauna.
Emissionsfromvehiclestravellingalongtheexpresswaywillbeacontributingfactortochangetheair
qualityintheprojectareaduringoperationalstageoftheexpressway.

Impactsofslopefailureandearthslips
Slope failures are possible mainly within cut sections of Dandeniya area. Slope failure or earth slips
withinaboveareacouldoccurevenduringtheoperationalstageoftheproject.

23

Social,culturalimpactsduetorelocationofcommunities
Proposed trace has been developed avoiding settlement areas as much as possible. However land
acquisition and resettlement will be the most significant social and cultural impact. Around 1,400
residentialandcommercialhouseholdslocatedwithintheproposedROWwillbeaffectedandmayneed
to be resettled. 35 schools, 43 religious places (including one mosque), 9 post offices and 107 other
governmentinstitutionsarelocatedwithintheimmediateprojectinfluentialGNDs.Oftheseinstitutions
02 schools, 02 temples are located within 150 m corridor from the proposed center line of the trace
withinMataraandBeliattasectionofproposedSEWextension.
Lossofagriculturelandwillaffectthelivelihoodandincomeofpeoplewhoareinvolvedinagriculture
activities.
Impactsonirrigationstructuresanddrainagecanals
Temporaryorpermanentblockageorclosureofirrigationstructuresanddrainagecanalswillaffectthe
cultivationoflandsthatareirrigatedanddrainedbysuchcanals.
Impactsduetodisruptionofexistinginfrastructurefacilities
Shifting of existing utility supply lines or accidental damages to such lines will have a temporary
disruptionoffacilitytotheHouseHoldsservedbysuchlines.
Possibleothernuisancetoneighborhood
Migrant labour may lead to social conflicts with communities living in the project area. Waste matter
disposedfromlabourcampswillalsobecomeanuisancetopublic.
Constructionoftemporaryserviceroads,diversionandclosureofsectionsoflocalroadswillcausethe
localpublictotravelmoredistancetoreachagivenpoint.Localroadmayalsoneedtobetemporarily
closedduringtheconstructionhourswillalsocauseanuisancetopublicinthearea.
Limitationofmovementwillbethemainimpactduringtheoperationalstageofproject.

Health,safetyandaccidents
Construction activities involving heavy machinery could lead to accidents. Blasting activities along the
traceandatquarrysiteswillalsobeapotentialsourceofaccidentsandinjury.Improperuseofpower
tools will also increase the risk of accidents especially to workers. The risk of fire and electrocution
should also be considered during a project of this magnitude. Exposure of workers in to hazardous
fumesandflamesisanotheroccupationalhazardduringconstruction.
Respiratory diseases could occur due to deterioration of air quality. Possibility of increase of Sexually
TransmittedDiseases(STD)intheareashouldalsobeconsideredasasignificanthealthimpact.

24

Excessivespeedmanycauseevenfatalaccidentstodriversandpassengersduringtheoperationalstage
oftheproject.

Impactsduetoextractionandtransportationofconstructionmaterialanddisposalofsoil
Rock quarrying permanently changes the landscape in such areas. Excavation of gravel will develop
depressionsonlevelground.Quarryingofsandhasbecomeamajorissueinconstructionworks.
Transportation of material through other roads will lead to the deterioration of such roads, causing
inconveniencetopublic.

Pollutionofsurfacewater,groundwaterandsoil
Washoffofsoilfromconstructionsites(duringearthoperations)couldincreaseturbidityofwaterand
sedimentation.
Spills/ leaks of chemicals used for construction of pavement, oil and fuel could pollute the soil and
deterioratesurfacewaterandgroundwaterquality.
Emulsionsusedbeforeasphaltingofpavementcouldgetinfiltratedintosoillayersbeneaththesubbase
ifmixedwithstormwater.

Groundsubsidence
Soft ground treatment and heavy vibration caused by construction equipment may cause ground
subsidenceinlandsclosetosuchconstructionsites.

Trafficcongestion
Traffic congestions may occur if trucks carrying construction material move on narrow local roads.
Temporarystoppageoftrafficonmainroadsforprolongtimewillbeanuisancetothedriversleadingto
disputeswithcontractorstaff.

Archeologicalsitesandimpacts
NositeswitharcheologicalimportancewerelocatedwithintheproposedROW.

Proposedmitigationmeasures
Mitigationmeasuresforhydrologicalimpacts
Findings and recommendations of the hydrological study should be considered as guidelines for
designingopeningsofcrossdrainagestructureswithinthemaintrace.
Construction ofexpresswayoverviaductswillfacilitatesurfaceflowandhydrologywithin Nilwalaand
Walawe flood planes. Consensus should come between line agencies on management of drainage
facilitiesbeyondtheROW.
25

Useofasetof300mm,600mmor900mmpipeswithinthetemporarypilotroadwhichwillyieldthe
sameopeningsizeequivalenttotheopeningofthestructureontheexpresswaywillfacilitatedrainage
withoutanyhindrance(duringconstructionstage).
No material (including excavated soil) should be allowed to be disposed near water bodies (even on
temporarybasis).
Useofsilttrapsandtimingearthworkduringdryseasonwillreducetheimpactonnaturaldrainagein
Dandeniyaforestarea.
Duringtheoperationalstageoftheprojectitissuggestedtohavespecialworkerteamsdesignatedto
maintainallcrossdrainagestructurestofacilitateuninterruptedflowthroughdrainagestructures.
Construction works close to flood bunds should be conducted under the supervision of Irrigation
department.Thecontractorshouldattendtoanyaccidentaldamagescausedtothefloodbundwithout
anydelay.
Any damaged section (damaged due to construction of expressway) should not be left without repair
especiallyduringoperationalstageoftheproject.
Removal of all temporary structures built especially in the flood planes immediately after the
constructionoftheexpresswaywilleaseanyimpactsoffloodsduetoreductionoffloodretentionand
detentionareas.
Susceptible areas for land encroachment and filling should be demarcated, managed and protected
againstsuchillegalencroachmentandfilling.

Impactsonbiodiversityduetolossofforestlandsanddisturbancestofloraandfauna
The limits of acquisition corridor will be set to a minimum of 80 m within the section of expressway
throughDandeniyaFR.Thecorridorshouldbefencedoffwithoutkeepinganyspacebetweenthetwo
boundaries (forest and ROW). This will avoid initiation of any human activities within such passage
whichwilllaterspreadinterioroftheforest,especiallyintotheupperfragmentoftheFR.Suchmeasure
willalsoreducetheimpactofedgeeffect.
Compensatory replanting should be done with native species which are likely to require little
maintenance and may prove beneficial in maintaining ecosystem integrity. However, planting of fruit
bearingtreesneartheROWshouldbeavoided.
Nosolidwasteorspoildumpingsites,hotmixplantsandworkercampsshouldbeallowedtobelocated
withintheforestareas.
Aesthetics value of bridge and other structures should be considered when designing such structures
especially close to forest and wildlife areas. Canopy bridges could be introduced within expressway
sectionwhichpassesthroughDandeniyaforest.

26

Collisionandrunoverofanimalsbyfastmovingvehiclesalongtheexpresswaycouldbeminimizedby
introducingadequatenumberofanimalcrossingstructures,andplacingadditionalfencingclosetothe
pavementshouldertoincreasetheflyingheight.
Via ducts will be designed to facilitate elephant movement within Managed Elephant Reserve at
Andarawewa. Placing of noise barriers and establishing a green belt will also reduce the impacts on
fauna.

Lossofcurrentuseofland,landscapeandresources
The contractor should be instructed to rehabilitate all lands used for yards, worker camps, material
extractionsitesanddisposalsitesbeforehandingoverthesametotheiroriginalusers.
However any unplanned development that would arise especially during the operational stage of the
projectshouldbemanagedtoavoidanydisturbancetoremainingnaturalhabitatswithinforestareas
locatedclosetotheprojecttrace.
Introducinggreenbeltswithnativetreespecies,cuttingofslopeswithbenchesnotmorethan6min
heightwithslopesnotmorethan1:2anglewillalsohelpinmitigatingimpactsonlandscape.Turfingof
embankmentslopesanddesigningbridgesandviaductsectionswithanestheticappearanceshouldalso
beconsideredasmeasurestoreducetheimpactonlandscape.

Mitigationmeasuresforslopefailureandearthslips
Design of cut slopes at angles of 1: 1.5 or 1: 2, restricting the berm height to less than 6 m and
introducingbencheswherebermheightsaremorethan6mwillreducethepossibilitiesofslopefailure.
Establishingofvegetationovertheexposedsoil(grasscover)willalsohelpstabilizingsuchcutslopes.
Introducingbermdrains,contourdrainsandinterceptordrainswillallowstormwatertodrainoffthe
slopesandminimizeinfiltrationwhichaggravatesinstabilityofslopes.

Mitigationmeasuresfornoise,vibrationandairqualityimpactsonnearbysettlementsand
habitats
Demolitionofstructuresshouldbecarriedoutusingquietermethodsespeciallynearsettlementareas.
Thecontractorshouldbeinstructedtouseexhaustmufflersinallconstructionvehiclesandequipment.
Allheavymachineryshouldbemaintainedingoodoperableconditionsatalltimeduringconstruction
periodtoavoidanyunnecessarysoundsgeneratedduringtheoperationofsuchequipment.
Construction of temporary noise barriers such as temporary walls or piles of excavated material
between site with noisy activity (e.g. pile driving site) and noise sensitive receivers will also help
reducing the impact of noise. A set of noisy operations could be combined to occur in the same time
periodasthetotalnoiselevelproducedwillnotbesignificantlygreaterthanthelevelproducedifthe
operationswereperformedseparately.
27

The contractor should be advised to carry out a property condition survey of all structures within a
50~75 m corridor from both edges of the proposed ROW and record any existing failures of the
structures.
Demolition,earthmoving andgroundimpactingoperationsshouldbescheduledsoasnottooccurin
same period of time. The total vibration levels produced could be significantly less when vibration
sourcesoperateseparately.
All earth work shall be covered in a manner minimizing generation of dust. Contractor should be
instructedtouseasetofwatertrucks/bowserstosprinklewateroverallexposedareasasrequiredfor
suppressionofdust.
Allmachineryshouldbeservicedregularlytomaintainatgoodoperablecondition.
Careshouldbetakeninstockpilingconstructionmaterialwithadequatecover(withartificialbarriersor
naturalvegetation)againstwindandrain.
The noise barriers constructed to minimize the noise impact should be maintained during the
operationalstageoftheproject.ItisalsoimportantthatRDAfromtimetotimetakemeasurementson
noisetomonitorthechangesinnoiselevelsclosetonoisereceptors.
Maintenanceofthegreenbeltandestablishingmoretreesthat wouldabsorbemissionsofCO2isthe
bestsolutionforincreasedCO2emissions.

Mitigationmeasuresforsocial,culturalimpactsduetorelocationofcommunities
The trace has been selected minimizing resettlement impact. A Resettlement Action Plan will be
developedandexecutedparalleltolandacquisitiontoprovideadequatecompensationtotheaffected
households.TheResettlementActionPlanwillbebasedontheregulationsofLandacquisitionactand
NationalInvoluntaryResettlementguidelines.Aprojectspecificentitlementmatrixwillbeusedtoguide
RDAonentitlementsandeligibilitytocompensation.
Resettlement sites could be developed in the locations identified by divisional secretaries of four (4)
DSDs.

Impactsonirrigationstructuresanddrainagecanals
Permanent closure of irrigation or drainage canal will not be allowed under any circumstance. Water
flow on field canals or small scale canals and drainage canals will be maintained using Hume pipes of
diametersof600mmto1200mm.Debrisdepositedwillberemovedimmediately.

Impactsduetodisruptionofexistinginfrastructurefacilities
Coordination with the line agency responsible to maintain the utility supply, supervision of work near
overheadlineswillavoidanyunnecessarydamagetosuchlines.

28

Possibleothernuisancetoneighborhood
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Possibility of securing labour from nearby areas, setting of labour camps away from settlements will
reducethisimpact.Strictlaboursupervisionwillalsoberequired.

Health,safetyandaccidents
Operation of construction machinery only by trained and experienced operators, strict supervision on
movement of construction machinery will mitigate the chances of accidents at work site. Blasting
operationsshouldalsobehandledbywelltrainedandexperiencedpersonsinusingexplosives.
Allworkersshouldbeeducatedinproperandsafeuseofpowertoolsandelectricity.
Regular inspections to worker camps to inspect the level of sanitation maintained at camp sites and
wastemanagementwillalsoreducethechancesofimproperdisposalofworkercampwaste.
Itisimportantthatthecontractorarrangeregularsafetychecksofvehiclesandmaterial,andallocation
ofresponsibilitytosupervisorsonstoringmaterialandmaintainingvehicles.
Creationofawarenesstoexpresswayusersonsafetyrequirementswhendrivingontheexpresswaywill
helptoreducethechancesofaccidents.

Impactsduetoextractionandtransportationofconstructionmaterialanddisposalofsoil
Locationsselectedforquarryingofrockandborrowingofearthshouldessentiallybeawayfromhuman
settlementsandprotectedforestlands.Thecontractorcoulduseexistingquarrysitesandborrowpitsin
theareawhichwillavoid/minimizetheclearingofvegetationandopeningofland.
Allquarryingoperationsshouldbecarriedoutaspertheguidelinesandconditionsgivenintheapproval
ofGeologicalSurveyandMinesBureau(GS&MB),EnvironmentProtectionLicense(EPL)fromCEAand
tradelicensefromlocalauthorities.
Useofcoversovertransportedmaterialstoguardagainstdustblowandwatersprayingtodampenany
dustysurfacewillmitigatetheimpactsduetotransportationofconstructionmaterial.

Pollutionofsoil,surfacewaterandgroundwater
Schedulingearthworksduringthedryseasonoftheyearwillavoidanymajorflowofwashedoffsoil
intocanalsandstreams.
Allcement,bitumen(barrels),oilandotherchemicalsshouldbestoredandhandledonanimpervious
surface (concrete slab) above ground level. The storage facility for cement, bitumen (barrels), oil and
otherchemicalsshouldbeanenclosedstructureensuringthatnostormwaterflowsintothestructure.
TheboreholesludgecontainingBentoniteshouldbedisposedonlywithconcurrencefromCEAandlocal
authorities.
29

Placingofemergencyresponsevehiclesatstrategiclocations(atleastateveryICarea)withfacilitiesto
curtailanymajorspillsandrecoverthespilledmaterialasmuchaspossiblewillreducetheimpactsof
chemicalspillageandcontamination.

Groundsubsidence
Mitigation measures suggested for heavy vibration during construction stage will be applicable to
mitigategroundsubsidenceduetovibration.
Cordoning the soft ground treatment area (i.e. separating the treatment area or soil mass from the
remaining land area) using geo textile or other suitable impervious material will avoid impacts on the
watertableinsurroundinglandarea.

Trafficcongestion
Managingthetimeofstoppageoftrafficmovementtoperiodsnotmorethan10~15minutes.Advance
noticestotraffictoavoidsuchroadswillalsobeapracticalmeasuretoreducetrafficalongtheseroads.

Archeologicalsitesandimpacts
In case an artifact or a potential site of archeological interest is found during construction. All
construction activities within 100m in all directions from the point should be stopped until further
instructions from CSC and RDA. The contractor should inform the CSC and RDA on such discovery
without any delay. Under such circumstance RDA should inform Department of Archeology about the
incidentandobtaintheirexpertisetorelocatetheartifactfromsite.

Extendedcostbenefitanalysis
A detailed ECBA was not done for this section of the expressway. However, an attempt was done to
analyzetheenvironmentandsocialcostrelatedtoconstructionofthissectionoftheSEWextension.
Themostsignificantimpactsidentifiedwere;Impactsonsurfacehydrology,Costofhumandisplacement
(cost of land acquisition and demolition of structures), Removal of vegetation (trees and timber).
Estimatedenvironmentalandsocialcostoftheproposedprojectispresentedbelow.

Table(f)Totalestimatedenvironmentalandsocialcostoftheproposedproject
Environmentandsocialcostitem
Cost(inBillionSLR)
1.Impactonsurfacehydrology
10.172
2.Costofremovaloftreesandtimber
0.018
3.Costoflandacquisition
6.666
4.Costforrestoringaffectedstructures
0.870
Total
17.726

30

Environmentalmanagementandmonitoringprogramme
Theimpactsandmitigationmeasuresdiscussedunderimpactandmitigationchaptersweresummarized
intoanEnvironmentalManagementPlan(EMP)andEnvironmentalMonitoringPlan(EMoP).
ExecutingtheEMPduringtheconstructionstageisaresponsibilityofcontractor.TheEnvironmentaland
Social Development Division of RDA will be responsible to monitor the implementation of EMP as an
internalmonitorwhiletheCEAwillbetheexternalmonitoringagencyfortheproject.Itisrequiredthat
ESD carry out regular inspection to the project site to monitor the compliance levels while CEA could
carryoutinspectiononaquarterlybasis.

Publicconsultationandinformationdisclosure
As another major development project to the southern region of the country the GoSL wished to
communicate the facts of the project even at the initial stage of the project. Hence three awareness
programmeswerecarriedoutatMataraandHambantotaunderthepoliticalpatronage.AspertheNEA
guidelines the EIA report will be opened for public comments before the final approval is granted by
CEA.

Conclusionandrecommendation
TheGoSLintendstoextendtheSEWfromMatara(Godagama)toMattalaatHambantotaviaBeliatta.
ThisEIAReportisbasedonthetwoTORsissuedbyCEA.ExpertknowledgeonHydrologicalanalysiswas
obtainedfromLankaHydraulicInstituteLtd.
The railway line which was to be combined with the expressway from Beliatta to Mattala was not
consideredduetomanytechnicalandfinancialreasons.

Conclusions
The proposed expressway extension falling between Godagama and Dandeniya had to be studied in
depth with respect to hydrological aspect. Impact on Dandeniya forest reserve was minimized by
reroutingthetraceoutwardsfromthecoreareaoftheforestthroughwhichthetraceofyear2007was
placed.
TheneedofresettlementorphysicaldisplacementofHHshasalsobeengreatlyreducedbyplacingthe
expresswaytraceoverpaddyfields,otheragriculturallandsandhomegardens.However,reductionof
agricultural land will be a negative impact that needs to be mitigated as it will affect the income of
farmers,agriculturelabourersinprojectarea.PhysicalandeconomicaldisplacementofHHsneedstobe
addressedtoanacceptableleveltotheaffectedHHsbeforecommencementofconstructionwork.
TheconstructioncostfortheextensionofSEWfromMataratoBeliattaisestimatedatSLR.174.9Billion.
Itisanticipatedthatthecostofmitigationofenvironmentalimpacts(excludingresettlementcost)will
beintherangeof10~15%ofconstructioncost(about26.2BillionSLR).

31

ConstructionofMataratoMattalasectionofSEWextensionwillyieldasignificantcontributiontothe
regional economy as well as the countrys economy. However it is important that the construction of
bothsectionsoftheexpresswayextension(i.e.fromMataratoBeliattaandfromBeliattatoMattala)to
becompletedparallelsoastoobtainthemaximumgainfromtheproposedproject.

Recommendations
Itisimportantthatexistingirrigationcanalsanddrainagefacilitiesaremaintainedintheprojectarea.
Itisalsorecommendedthattherecommendationsofthehydrologicalstudybeenconsideredduringthe
designofstructures(culverts,bridgesandotherdrainagefacilities).
It is recommended that the entitlement matrix of the project resettlement action plan is used as the
guidingdocumentindecidingentitlementsforallaffectedhouseholds.
RDAshouldobtainassistanceofForestDepartmentandDWLCincarryinganyfurthertransectsurveys
withinDandeniyaAparekkaforestreserveduringthedetaileddesignstageoftheproject.
ItisalsorecommendedthattheEMPandEMoPfortheprojectisupdatedinthedetaildesignstageand
incorporatedintorespectivetenderdocuments.

32

1. Introduction
1.1.Background of the project
TheGovernmentofSriLanka(GoSL)hasapolicyobjectivetodevelopHambantotadistrictofSouthern
province in to an international development hub. Accordingly, Greater Hambantota area will be
developed as an international business and investment center with the implementation of following
majordevelopmentprojects;

TodevelopthecityofRuhunaasamajortransportationhubofSriLanka,
To develop the city of Ruhuna (city center of the Greater Hambantota area) as a major
transportation hub for South Asia, based upon the Magampura Mahinda Rajapakse Seaport,
MahindaRajapakseInternationalAirportatMattala,
ToimprovethequalityoflifeofthepeopleinHambantotadistrictbydevelopinginfrastructure
facilitiesingreaterHambantotaareawhichincludeswatertreatmentanddistributionfacilities,
InformationTechnologyParks,SportsComplexes,
Todeveloprecreationalparksincludingsafariparks,
Generating new job opportunities that will gradually establish full employment status in the
country,
To conserve the natural and historically important environment and enhance the social and
culturalresourcesofthearea,
Tocreateanenvironmentallyfriendlycity.

In this sequence of development, the importance of linking Hambantota with the countrys economic
capital,thecityofColomboisvitaltoensureasustainabledevelopmentinHambantotaandgreaterarea
of southern province, and has become the flagship for many other projects implemented in the area.
TheGoSLhasidentifiedthatalandbasedlinkismostcrucialforlinkingandreinforcingalloftheabove
projects as nearly 90% the countrys goods and passenger transportation is based on land based
transport.
Accordingly the National Physical Planning Policy and Plan Sri Lanka (2006 2030) prepared by the
National Physical Planning Department has indicated to extend the railway line from Matara to
Batticaloa(viaHambantota)andtoextendtheSouthernExpressway(SEW)fromMataratoMonaragala
(viaHambantota).
AccordinglytheRoadDevelopmentAuthority(RDA)ofMinistryofHighways,PortsandShipping(MoPH)
themaingovernmentagencyresponsibletodevelopandmaintainthenationalroadnetwork,initiateda
studyinyear2001toidentifyasuitablelandbasedroutetoextendtheSEWfromMataratoMattalavia
Beliatta.
FindingsofthisstudyhaveenabledRDAtofurtherrefinetherouteavoidingmanyenvironmentaland
social sensitive issues. The project is now completing the feasibility study and it has been decided to
segmenttheprojectintotwo(2)segmentsandfour(4)contractualsectionsasfollows;

33

1.

FromMataratoBeliatta(approximately30km)

Section1

2.

FromBeliattatoMattala(approximately50.5km)

BeliattatoWetiya

Section2

WetiyatoAndarawewa

Section3

AndarawewatoMattala(includingSeaportAirportexpressway)

Section4

AspertheNationalEnvironmentalAct(NEA)regulationsconstructionofanewroadmorethan10kmin
lengthisaprescribedprojectrequiringenvironmentalapproval.ThusinMarch,2013RDAsubmittedthe
basicinformationoftheprojecttoCentralEnvironmentalAuthority(CEA).Aftercompletionofscoping
oftheproject,CEAastheprojectapprovingagencydecidedtheprojectasaprescribedprojectrequiring
anEnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA).
AttheinitialstageofthefeasibilitystudytherewasadiscussiontoreroutetheKataragamaboundnew
railwaylinebetweenBeliattaandMattalaparalleltotheexpressway.Therailwaylinewasexpectedto
meettheexpresswayatBeliatta(approximatelyat32kmpoint)andtraverseparalleltotheexpressway
betweentheinnerlanesoftheexpressway.Hencetwo(2)separateTermsofReference(TOR)forthe
EIAwasissuedbyCEAforthetwosections.
However, the decision to combine the railway line and expressway was later changed due many
technicalandfinancialreasons.Therefore,therailwaylinewillnottraversebetweentheinnerlanesof
theexpressway.
ThisEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentReport(EIAR)ispreparedforMataratoMattalasectionofthe
SEWextension.TheEIARcoverstherequirementsofbothTORs,howeverthecomponentsregardingthe
railwaylinelistedinthesecondTORhasnotbeendiscussedastherailwaylinehasbeentakenoutofthe
project.
It should also be noted that the section of trace from Gonnoruwa (chainage 77+000) up to Mattala
airport Interchange (IC) chainage 80+500 has already completed construction and is a four lane road.
ThesectionoftracefromAndarawewa(chainage71+000)tochainage77+000willbedevelopedunder
theproposedseaportairportexpresswayproject.Theexistingroadsectionbetweenchainage77+000
toMattalaairportInterchange(IC)willbeupgradedintoexpresswaystandardsunderseaportairport
expresswayproject.
A separate EIA study is been carried out for the sea port airport expressway project. Critical
environmentalinformationpertainingtothesectionfromAndarawewatoMattalaIChasbeenextracted
fromtheabovestudyandincludedintothisreportinordertomaintaintheuniformityofinformation
withinthetracefromchainage71+000to80+500.

34

1.2.Objective and justification of the project

GalleandMataradistrictsofsouthernprovincearealreadyconnectedwithColombothroughtheSEW.
In order to gain the full economic benefits from the development projects initiated in the southern
regionitisimportantthattheSEWisextendeduptoHambantota.
Hambantotadistrictofsouthernprovincehasalandareaof2496km2administratedunder11Divisional
Secretariat Divisions (DSDs). Of this DSDs Thangalle, Ambalantota, Hambantota and Tissamaharamaya
have maritime boundaries. Estimated population of Hambantota district in year 2010 was around
571,000.
Agricultureandfisheriesarethedominantandtraditionaleconomicactivitiesinthedistrict.Nearly50%
ofthe productive labourforceinthedistrictisinvolvedinthese activities.Withinitiation ofSouthern
Area Development Plan (SADP) in year 1995 new economic activities were identified in the region.
PresentGoSLhasidentifiedtheimportanceinexecutingtheseeconomicactivities;therebyaccelerate
the social and economic status of southern region while considering Hambantota as the hub of these
planneddevelopments.
In order to sustain this development in the southern region it is important that Hambantota is linked
withColombothecountryseconomiccapital.DevelopingalandbasedlinkbetweenHambantotaand
otherregionsofthecountrywillallowentrepreneursacrossthecountrytogainaccesstonewlybuild
SeaportandAirportatHambantota.
AtpresentthemainroadbasedconnectivitybetweenColomboandHambantotaisthroughColombo
Galle Wellawaya (A002) highway. The average speed along this road is around 40~45 kmph which
makesajourneytime morethanfive(5)hours.WiththeopeningofSEWfromColombo(Kottawa)to
GallethejourneytimebetweenColomboandGallehasbeenreducedtoaboutone (1)hour.Galle to
MatarasectionofSEWisnearingitsconstructionandwillbeopenedtothepublicbyendofyear2013.
Then the travel time between Colombo and Matara could be reduced to about 1 hours. If this
expresswayisextendedtoHambantota,anypersonfromColombocouldreachHambantotainabout2
hoursandviceversa.
The travel time, vehicle operational cost saved by such development clearly justifies the need of the
project. This will be a benefit to the agricultural entrepreneurs in the southern region as they will be
abletotransporttheirproducetoColomboinlessthan3hoursandthetransportationlossofproducts
willbereduced.
TheSouthernExpresswayPhaseIfromKottawatoPinnaduwa(95.3km)whichcommencedoperations
inNovember2011hasrecordedanaveragedailyearningofSLR2.8millionfromtollsinyear2012.On
average 9,500 vehicles are plying the road on a daily basis. Therefore, an extension to the SEW will
enable the GoSL to obtain an additional revenue which could be utilized for the maintenance of the
expresswayandinvestonotherdevelopmentdrivesofthecountry.

35

1.3.Objective of the EIA report

As stated in section 1.1 the project is in its feasibility level study, and this EIAR was prepared in
conformitytotheTORsissuedfortheexpresswayextensionfromMataratoMattala.TheTORsissued
fortheproposedexpresswayextensionarepresentedasannex1.1.ThemainobjectiveofthisEIAisto
studytheproposedprojectwithrespecttotheexistingphysical,ecologicalandsocialenvironmentsin
theprojectareaandothernationaldevelopmentprogrammesintheprojectarea,inordertoidentify
adverse and beneficial impacts by the project and on the project. The study considered reasonable
alternatives especially with respect to different route options and construction methods. No project
alternativewasassessedintermsofimpacttotheenvironment.
Thereportalsopresentsmeasurestakenduringtheinitialdesignstoavoidorminimizeadverseimpacts
whichwereidentifiedduringthepreviousstudies.Thisstudysuggestedsuitablemitigationmeasuresfor
adverseimpactswhichcouldnotbeavoidedorminimized.
An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was prepared based on the impacts and mitigation
measures identified in the study. An Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) will also be developed to
monitorthebaselineenvironmentalconditionsandeffectivenessofproposedmitigationmeasures.
Finally the report will provide recommendations to be adopted during detail design, construction and
operationoftheproject,whichwillguidetheprojecttobeanenvironmentallyviableproject.

1.4.Methodologies and technologies adopted in EIA report preparation

TheEIAwascarriedoutbyateamofofficersfromtheEnvironmentalandSocialDevelopmentDivision
(ESDD) of RDA. This team comprised of a Hydrologist, Ecologist, Resettlement Officer and Field
MonitoringAssistants.InputsofaResettlementSpecialistandaSociologistwerealsousedforthestudy.
TheteamwasmanagedbyaSafeguardsSpecialistwhoisaCharteredEnvironmentalist.Referannex1.2
fortheirnames,qualificationsandtasksundertaken.
Thestudywasbasedondeskstudiesaswellasfieldstudiestoobtainrelevantlatestfielddataonthe
existing physical, ecological and social environments. A corridor of 150 m (75 m to both sides of the
proposedcenterline)wasstudiedonground,whilea3kmbufferzone(1.5kmtobothsidesfromthe
proposed center line) was studied using 1: 50,000 topographic maps of Department of Survey and
Googleearthmapsavailableonline.
ThemethodologyforthisEIAconsistedof;

Understanding the nature of the project through discussions with Project Management Unit
(PMU)ofRDAandespeciallywiththeconsultancyteamresponsibleforpreliminarydesignsand
estimationsfortheproposedproject,
StudyalldocumentssuchasprojectdescriptionspreparedbyRDA,
Studytheconceptualdrawings,surveyplansetc.relatedtoproposedproject,
Visits to the proposed project corridor (including sections of Nilwala river and Walawe river
floodplaneswhicharecrossedbytheproposedtrace)andinterchangeareas,

36

Carrying out social assessment by interviewing the people who live within and close to the
proposedcorridor,
Carryoutairquality,noiseandsurfacewaterqualitymeasurementsatpredeterminedstrategic
locationsinordertoestablishbaselineenvironmentalconditionsoftheprojectarea,
Carryingoutanecologicalassessmenttoassessthebaselineecologyandthepossibleimpacts
onecology.

An environmental impact matrix was developed based on the existing environmental conditions and
activities related to the project from preconstruction stage through operational stage of the project.
Adverse impacts were then ranked between significant to nonsignificant impacts. Most feasible
mitigationmeasureswerethendevelopedbasedonthismatrix.
1.4.1. Methodology for hydrological study
The hydrological study was carried out by Lanka Hydraulics Institute Ltd (LHI) on behalf of RDA. The
analysis was carried out for the entire trace of the expressway extension from Matara to Mattala.
However, the study was directed to pay special attention on the first 13 km of trace as it is mostly
locatedwithinthefloodplaneofNilwalariver,overlowlandabundantwithpaddyfields,marshylands,
andirrigationcanals.Thusthefirst13kmoftraceismoresignificantinhydrologicalconditioncompared
totheresetofthetracewhichspansoverhillsandhighlands.OtherthantheNilwalarivertheproposed
traceofexpresswayextensionpassesoverSinimodarariver,Kiramariver,UrubokkariverandWalawe
river.
As per the report on hydrological impact analysis, a particular procedure with several steps has been
followedfortheanalysis.Thesequencecouldbelistedasfollow;
Step1:Collectionofrelevantdata
Step2:Generationofhydrologicalmodel(NAM)forcollectedrainfallrunoffdata
Step3:Settingupofhydrodynamic(HD)modelfortheexistinglanduseconditionswithoutconsidering
thehighwayimplementation.
Step4:SimulatetheHDmodelcoupledwithNAMmodelfortwoscenarios.
Scenario 1: Hydrodynamic modeling of river catchments for the land use conditions without
consideringtheroadconstructiontoobtainthe50yearand100yearfloodplains.
Scenario 2: Hydrodynamic modeling of river catchments for the land use conditions to obtain
the 100 year floodplains, by introducing the proposed expressway trace and for varied road
elevations.Roadelevationsvaryonthebasisofthehighfloodelevationlevelsfromtheprevious
scenario.Thisalsoconsidersthebridge/culvertsizesattheriver/tributarycrossings.
Step5:Conclusionofhydrologicalimplications.Followingoutcomewillbediscussed.

HighFloodElevationsforfloodreturnperiods50and100year,forexistingcondition
Inundationareaforfloodreturnperiods50and100year,forexistingcondition
37

HighFloodElevationsfor100yearfloodreturnperiod,withroadimplementation
Inundationareafor100yearfloodreturnperiod,withroadimplementation
Recommendationstobeimplementedindetailedhydrologicalstudy
Waterqualityoftheareaandpossibleimpacts

1.4.2. Methodology for ecological study

AspertherequirementsoftheTORanecologicalsurveywascarriedoutwithintheprojectareafrom
MataratoAndarawewa.EcologicalinformationforthesectionfromAndarawewatoMattalaairportIC
wasmainlyobtainedfromthestudyteamwhocarriedouttheEIAfortheproposedseaportairport
expressway.Howeveranindependentverificationofthisinformationwascarriedoutbytheecologistof
this study team. Following methodology was adopted to identify and document the information on
sensitiveareas,currentuseoflandandresources,sensitivehabitatsandtheirdistribution,information
onendangered/rarespeciesobservedwithinthestudycorridor.
Gathering information on proximity to sensitive areas (i.e. wildlife reserves, national parks,
sanctuaries,elephantmigratoryroutes,wetlandsandforestreserves):
Inordertoidentifythesensitiveareas,upto1.5kmtobothsidesfromtheexistingcenterlineofthe
proposed highway extension was studied using 1: 50,000 topographic map sheets of the Survey
Department andsatellite imageryavailableonlinefromGoogle maps.Thenthe collected information
on sensitive areas was verified with the discussions and information available at the Department of
WildlifeConservation(DWLC)andForestDepartment(FD).
Assessmentofthecurrentuseoflandandresourcesandpresentecologicalstatus:
Several random visits were conducted throughout the trace and observations were made to identify
current use of land and resources, floral and faunal species existing in the terrestrial and aquatic
habitats and their distribution in the vicinity of the proposed express way trace. Following ten (10)
selected sites were sampled extensively by considering the accessibility and spatial distribution of
habitatsandvegetationtypes.Table1.1belowpresentstheinformationonsuchsamplinglocations.
Table1.1Samplinglocationsofproposedsouthernexpresswayextension
LocationNo.
Place

Chainage

Kiralakelesanctuary

2
3
4

NilwalaGangamarshland
Hegurupattalapaddyland
Dandeniyaforestreserve

Not within the trace (but near

tothetrace)
From5+100kmto6+800km
Areaaround13+000km
From15+100kmto17+100km

Southern border of Dandeniya forest

Area around 16+800k m

Paddy cultivation area and home gardens area at From27+700kmto28+500km

Beliattainterchangearea
BarawakubukaRotawavatankarea
Areaaround54+700km
Walaweriver
From59+900kmto60+400km

7
8

38

LocationNo.
9
10

Place
Madunagalasanctuary
Walsapugalagrassland

Chainage
From67+700kmto68+000km
Areaaround72+900km

Identificationoffauna:
The line transect survey method was used to assess the terrestrial fauna and the plot survey method
was used to assess aquatic fauna within each identified habitat in the study area. Several techniques
wereusedtocollectinformationwithintransectsorplotsonthemainselectedtaxonomicgroupsi.e.,
Vertebratesgroups(birds,mammals,freshwaterfish,amphibiansandreptiles)andinvertebrategroups
(butterfliesanddragonflies).
Theavifaunaldatawerecollecteddirectlybyusingabinocular,andindirectlybytheircallsandsongs.
Mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish were documented through direct observations and indirectly
throughtheinformationgivenbythepeopleintheprojectarea.
Observedanimalspeciesweretaxonomicallyidentifiedbyusingthemostrecentpublisheddescriptions
and taxonomic keys: DAbrera (1998), Bedjanic et al., (2007), Harrison (1999), Kotagama (2005),
Goonatilake (2007), Fernando (1990), Naggs and Raheem (2000), ManamendraArachchi and
Pethiyagoda(2006).
Identificationofflora:
Identification of the observed plant species was based on published descriptions and taxonomic keys
providedbyDassanayakeandFosberg(19801991),Dassanayake,FosbergandClayton(19941995),
DassanayakeandClayton (19962000),Dassanayake,ClaytonandShafferFehre(2006). Thenational
conservationstatusofthespecieswasrecordedaccordingtothe2012RedListofThreatenedFaunaand
Flora of Sri Lanka (IUCN & MENR, 2012). Nomenclature of flowering plant was based on Senaratna
(2001).Transectsamplingtechniquewasusedtogatherdataonplantdiversity.
Species which were difficult to identify in the field were collected and preserved as herbarium
specimens. These specimens were taken to the National Herbarium, Peradeniya for identification by
comparisonwiththereferencecollectionsavailableattheNationalHerbarium.
Informationonendangeredandrarespecieswithintheidentifiedhabitats:
The fauna and flora species which were identified were classified using recently published scientific
literature. Threatened categories were assigned according to The national red list 2012 of Sri Lanka
publishedbyBiodiversitySecretariatoftheMinistryofEnvironmentincollaborationwiththeNational
Herbarium,DepartmentofNationalBotanicgardens.
1.4.3. Methodology for social study
Thesocialstudywascarriedouttoassessthesocialimpactfromtheproject.Thestudywascarriedout
usingasocialappraisalbasedmainlyonsecondarydataandaquestionnairesurvey.

39

Inadditiontothesecondarydata,stakeholdermeetingswerecarriedoutatdistrictlevelaswellasDSD
level to disclose project information to interested parties as well as to get views from different
stakeholderstoamendtheproposedprojectifapplicable.
Informalpocketmeetingswerealsoheldatcriticallocationsespeciallytogetviewsfrompeople.
Sociallyimportantplacessuchasgovernmentinstitutions,schools,placesofreligiousworship,etc.were
studiedandmarkedonamapforfurtherreference.Thesociallyrelevantlineagenciessuchastheoffice
ofdivisionalsecretary,Pradeshiasabha(PS)wereconsultedandtheirviewsweremustered.
Majordetailsoftheprojectwererevealedtothefieldlevelstakeholdersatpocketmeetingsandtheir
socioeconomicstatus;theirviewsregardingtheprojectespeciallytheimpactontheirlivelihoodwere
discussed and recorded. Their willingness to obtain compensation was also discussed. A resettlement
surveywascarriedoutthroughouttheprojectcorridor.
Theprocessflowchartusedtoobtaininformationsocioeconomicimpactsisgivenbelow.
Figure1.1Processflowchartusedtoobtainsocioeconomicdataandimpacts
Basicdiscussionswithprojectteamtounderstandthebackgroundoftheproject

Sitevisitswiththeprojectteamtounderstandthenatureoftheproject

Collectedrelevantdocuments,secondarydatarelatedtotheproject
Heldstakeholdermeetingsatdistrictlevelasawarenessprogrammes
HeldspecialstakeholdermeetingsatDSDlevelforrespectiveDSDstomakeindepth
awarenessforfieldlevelstafftodisseminateprojectinformationtoAffectedPersons(APs)

MadeSocioeconomicfindingsthroughsecondarydata

Maderecommendationsbasedonthefindings

Affectedstakeholderswere
interviewedrandomly(with
aquestionnairesurvey)at
criticallocationsand
obtainedtheirviewsfor
madeappropriateand
sustainable
recommendations

Followingkeypointswereconsideredduringthemethodology
40

(a) During the formal meetings at District level and DSD level the project team tried to maintain
genderbalanceasmuchaspossible.
(b) Secondary data on socioeconomic situation of the two affected districts (Matara and
Hambantota) was studied to review current socioeconomic situation of the project area.
Throughout the study, secondary data was used as main reference material. They include
publicationsofDept.ofCensusandStatistics,CentralBanksetc.Inadditiontothat,publications,
administrativerecordsanddocumentspreparedbyDivisionalSecretariatsandlinedepartments
werestudied.
Thefollowingchronologicalstepswereadoptedtocollectsecondaryinformation;
(a) Review of other feasibility studies, social and poverty assessment reports prepared for similar
roaddevelopmentprojectsinthecountry.
(b) ReviewofdocumentsavailableonSriLankansocioeconomicconditions(WorldBank,JICAand
SriLankangovernmentpreparedreportslikeAnnualReportsofCentralBankandpublicationsof
theDepartmentofCensusandStatistics).
(c) ReviewofdifferentdatabasesavailableintheDepartmentofCensusandStatistics.
(d) Review of resource profiles of different administrative divisions where the project will be
implemented.
1.4.4. Methodology for measuring baseline environmental conditions
Strategiclocationswereidentifiedbasedonproposedtrace,detailsfromGoogleearthmapsandfield
reconnaissancevisitstomeasureambientairquality,noiseandsurfacewaterquality.BetweenMatara
and Andarawewa, ten (10) locations were identified for measurements of air quality and noise levels.
While twelve (12) locations were selected to measure surface water quality between the above two
points.ObtainingthebaselinedatawasentrustedupontheenvironmentaldivisionofNationalBuilding
ResearchOrganization(NBRO).

1.5.Conformity with government policies and plans

UndertheRandoraprogrammethedistrictofHambantotawasidentifiedasastrategicdistrictwhere
newinfrastructuredevelopmentprojectsaretobeinitiatedinordertodevelopthesocioeconomicand
living conditions of the area. The Southern Development Authority (SDA) established under the
SouthernAreaDevelopmentProjecthasinitiatedprogrammestodeveloptheeconomicinfrastructure,
economicandlivelihooddevelopment,socialandspiritualdevelopmentinthesouthernregion.
Hambantota sea port and the countrys second international airport at Mattala are now under
operation. Thus the GoSL has identified the need of establishing a fast and efficient land based link
betweenHambantotaandColombo.
As per the National Physical Planning Policy and Plan (2006 ~ 2030) prepared by National Physical
Planning Department it has been identified the importance of a possible extension to the Southern
Expressway from Matara to Monaragala through Hambantota. Therefore, this project is in conformity
withgovernmentspoliciesandplanstodevelopHambantotaasaninternationaldevelopmenthub.

41

1.6.Preliminary approvals needed for the project

Theproposedtraceispassingeitherclosetoorthroughenvironmentallysensitiveareasofsanctuaries,
forestareas,overpaddylands,irrigationanddrainagecanals.Thereforetheassessmentteammadeit
sure to meet officials of Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest Department, Agrarian
DevelopmentDepartment,IrrigationDepartmentandMahaweliAuthority.Detailsoftheproposedtrace
was discussed with officials of these institutes in order to obtain their concerns and suggestions to
mitigateanyadverseimpactspertainingtotheresourcesmanagedbytheseinstitutes.Theseinstitutions
wereinfavouroftheprojectandnopreconditionswerelaidfortheproposeddevelopmentproject.
Otherthantheaboveinstitutionstheprojectmayneedtoobtainpreliminaryapprovalsandassistance
fromfollowingagencies;

MinistryoflandandLandDevelopmenttocommencelandacquisition
Approvalsfromlocalcouncilstocommenceresettlementactivities
AssistancefromrespectiveDivisionalSecretariesandDistrictSecretaries
ApprovalsfromMinistryofDefenseandUrbanDevelopmentAuthority
MinistryofDisasterManagement

42

2. Description of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives

2.1.Evaluation of alternatives
2.1.1. No project alternative
The GoSL has already initiated mega development projects in the southern region (especially in
Hambantotadistrict)includingMattalaairport,Hambantotaseaport,Sooriyawewainternationalcricket
stadium, Safari park at Reedigama and industrial parks. In order to sustain this socioeconomic
developmentitisapparentthatHambantotadistrictshouldbeconnectedtoColombo.
At present this link is mainly through Colombo Galle Hambantota Wellawaya (A002) highway,
whereonaveragethetravellingtimebetweenthetwopointsismorethanfive(5)hours.A002highway
ismainlyoftwolanefacilitywithexceptionsatfewtownlocationswherethereisfourlanefacilities.
Projected economic growth in the southern region will exert an increased demand in traffic flow
betweenColomboandHambantota.UndernoprojectsituationitisexpectedthatthetrafficalongA002
highway will increase significantly which will further increase the travel time between Colombo and
Hambantota. This will also increase the vehicle operational costs and loss of produce while
transportation. The existing road surface will also deteriorate at much faster rate leading to more
recurrentmaintenancework.SuchnegativedevelopmentswillhinderthecontributionofHambantota
districttothenationaleconomicgrowthofthecountry.
However,noprojectscenariowillavoidanyimpact(bytheproject)onexistingecologicalenvironment
throughwhichtheproposedexpresswaywillbelocated.
2.1.2. Improvement and widening of Colombo Galle Hambantota Wellawaya
(A002) highway
Thishighwaywhichisabout320kminlength,mainlytraversethroughthesoutherncoastalbeltofthe
country.AtpresentColombotoPanadurasectionofA002highwayisoffourlanes,suchwidensections
couldalsobeobservedatmaincityareassuchasKalutara,GalleandMatara.Wideningofthishighway
will need acquisition of high value lands and displacement of a significant number of people. If such
developmentiscarriedoutspecialmeasureswillneedtobetakentoprotecttheroadsurfaceatareas
whereseaerosionissignificant.Duetotheribbontypedevelopmentofsettlementalongthehighwayit
willnotbepossibletouseanyaccesscontrolonthepedestriansandvehicles.
2.1.3. Route proposed in the study carried out by university of Moratuwa in year
2007
During the year 2007 the Transportation Engineering Division of Department of Civil Engineering of
University of Moratuwa carried an economic feasibility study to determine a suitable trace for the
extensionofSEWfromMataratoHambantota.Duringthisstudyitwasrequiredthatfollowingcontrol
pointsneedtobeservedaspotentialdevelopmentnodeswithintheprojectimpactarea.

Gatemanna,
Mulkirigala,
43


Angunakolapellessa,
ortofHambaantota,

Po

RuhunupuraD
Development,
eliyawalanaaand

Ke

Proposedinterrnationalairp
portatWeeraawila.

Four(4)ro
outealternatteswerestudiedunderthiisassignmenttandthefourroutesarep
presentedinffigure
2.1.

1Fouralternaateroutesstu
udiedunderth
hestudybyM
MoratuwaUn
niversity
Figure2.1

During th
his study the
e distance to
o control poiints, Intrare gional mobillity and conn
nections to urban
centers, land acquisitiion and resetttlement, soiil and hydrol ogical aspectts were conssidered as the key
factorsinselectingasu
uitabletrace.
The studyy was conclud
ded with a ro
oute known as Modifiedd Alternate C
Corridor whicch is presentted as
figure2.2.

44

2ModifiedA
AlternateCorrridorUniverssityofMorat uwa(2007)
Figure2.2

2.1.4. Consttruction of e
expressway on viaduct vvs. embankm
ment
Around fiirst 10 km of the propossed expressw
way (extensio n) will be lo
ocated over tthe flood plaane of
Nilwala riiver and closse to Kiralake
ele (bird) san
nctuary. Consstruction of tthe expressw
way as an eleevated
structure on columnss will enable
e minimum impact to thhe flow regiime of Nilwala river, thereby
ng any future
e flood conditions. However the consstruction cosst of one kilo
ometer undeer this
minimizin
optionwillbeintheraangeofSLR3
3.5billioncom
mparedtoth ecostofSLR
R2.5billionifftheexpressw
wayis
constructedonaneartthfilledembaankmentandusingabridggeacrossNilw
walariver.
ThegenerralterrainfeaaturewithinB
BeliattaandM
Mattalaisunddulatingtoflaatland,andtthetraceislo
ocated
within inttermediate and
a
dry zone
es of the country. There fore the hyd
drological impacts will bee less
compared
d to Matara to Beliatta section of expressway teension. Hencce it is possiible to locate the
expressway section frrom Beliatta to Mattala on
o earth filleed embankment. Howeveer, the crossiing of
willbeovervviaductwithaalengthofabout600m betweenchaainage
Walawerriveranditsffloodplanew
59+995an
nd60+595.
Anotherssectionofviad
ductswithlen
ngthsof690mand240m
mbetweenAndarawewaan
ndGonnoruw
wawill
beconstructedprovidiingpassageto
oelephantm
movements(w
withinManageedElephantR
Reserve).
Underbotthoptionsso
oftgroundtreatmentwillb
beanecessityy.

45

2.1.5. Selection of final route

The route derived under the Modified Alternate Corridor was adopted as the final route with
modifications within the first 10 kms. This was mainly to reduce the hydrological impacts on Nilwala
flood plane (as illustrated under the hydrological analysis), Kiralakele bird sanctuary and impact on
LenaduwavillagewhichisalsolocatedclosetoNilwalafloodplane.Routeoptionsconsideredwithinthe
first10kmispresentedinfigure2.3.Routeoption1wasselectedasthemostfeasibleroutetoavoid
impactsonhydrologyofNilwalafloodplaneandKiralakelesanctuary.
A change in alignment was done between chainage 15+000 and 18+000 to minimize the impact on
Dandeniya forest reserve. As per the Modified Alternate Corridor the proposed trace would have
traversedthroughthecoreofDandeniyaforestreserve(foralengthofabout1.7km),howeverthenew
alignmentwillpassthroughanarrowsectionoftheforestwhichhasbeenalreadychangedbyhuman
activity (for a length of about 0.8 km). Figure 2.4 presents the initial and changed alignment through
Dandeniyaforest.
Beyondchainage37+000finaltracedeviatedmoretowardsthenortherndirectionfromtheModified
Alternate Corridor. This change avoided impacts on settlements such as Mulana, Ethbatuwewa,
MamadallaandKoggalla. Thetracenowconnects withtheproposedseaportairportexpresswayat
theICatAndarawewa.Figure2.5presentstheinitialandchangedalignmentfromBeliattatoMattala.

46

Figure2.3Routeoptionsforthe1st10kmsectiono
ofexpressway

O
Option1
O
Option2
Derivedtrace
Routein2007

47

FFigure2.4Change
einalignmentthroughDandeniyaaforest

Finaltrace

(onlyabout1.1kmthrough
h
FR)

KirindaMahayyayaforestreservve

Tracepropo
osedinModified
dalternate
corridor(1
1.7kminlength)

DandeniyaAparekkaforestre
eserve

48

Figure2.5InitialaandchangedalignmentfromBeliaattatoMattala

FiinaltracefromBeliattato
Mattala
M

AndaraweewaIC

Beliatta
Modifiedalte
ernatecorridor

49

2.2.Description of proposed project

The proposed project is to construct an expressway from Matara to Mattala (Hambantota) as an
extension to the southern expressway. The project is located in the southern province of Sri Lanka.
LocationandprojectdetailswithinMataraandMattalaarepresentedbelow.
2.2.1. Project location
ThissectionofthesouthernexpresswayextensionislocatedwithinMataraandHambantotadistrictsof
southern province. The affected DS Divisions, local councils and number of Grama Niladari (GN)
Divisionsarepresentedbelow.
Table2.1AdministrativedivisionsaffectedintheprojectareafromMataratoMattala
Province
District
DSDivision
MCorPS
No.ofGNDivisions
affected*
Southern
Matara
Malimbada
MalimbadaPS
7
province
Thihagoda
ThihagodaPS
17
Devinuwara
DevinuwaraPS
4
KirindaPuhulwela
KirindaPuhulwela
4
PS
Hambantota
Beliatta
BeliattaPS
16
Thangalle
ThangallePS
3
Weeraketiya
WeeraketiyaPS
3
Angunakolapellessa Angunakolapellessa
14
PS
Ambalantota
AmbalantotaPS
2
Hambantota
HambantotaCU&
2
PS
Sooriyawewa
SooriyawewaPS
6
Lunugamwehera
LunugamweheraPS
3
Sabaragamuwa
Ratnapura
Embilipitiya
EmbilipitiyaPS
1
province
MC=MunicipalCouncilPS=PradeshiaSabhaDS=DivisionalSecretariatGN=GramaNiladari
*GNDswithinthestudycorridorwhichisnotessentiallytheproposedROW.ProposedROWfortheSEWextensionismuchless
thanthestudycorridorforthisEIAstudy.

Thegenerallocationmapwithproposedtraceispresentedinfigure2.6below,whiledetailedlocation
mapsbasedon1:50,000topographicmapssheetsofSurveyDepartmentandonlineGooglemapsare
presentedinannex2.1.GlobalPositionSystem(GPS)coordinatesofthefinalproposedtraceisgivenin
annex2.2.

50

ICatMattala
SystemICat
A
Andarawewa

Ham
mbantota

Chainage0+000

Beliaatta(withIC)

Matara(G
Godagama)

Figure2.6GeneraallocationmapofftheproposedtrracefromMataraatoMattala
51

2.2.2. Project layout plan

As stated above this report presents details of expressway extension from Matara (Godagama/
Akurugoda)toMattala,whichisabout80.5kminlength.Therewillbeeight(8)Nos.ofinterchanges(at
Godagama,Dandeniya,Beliatta,Kahagalla,Angunakolapellessa,Wetiya,SooriyawewaandMattala)and
onesysteminterchangeatAndarawewa.Locationdetails,typeanddestinationwithdistancefromeach
interchangeareasfollows.
Table2.2DetailsofinterchangeswithinMataraandMattalaofSEWextension
Locationofinterchange Distance
from Typeofinterchange
Destination
with
Akurugoda(0.000km)
distance
Godagama/Nagoda
2.475km
Trumpet
Matara4.0km
Akuressa17.0km
Dandeniya
18.400km
Diamond
Hakmana12.0km
Dikwella16.0km
Modified
Bridged Hakmana10.5km
Beliatta
27.350km
Roundabout
Beliatta2.5km
(BeliattaHakmana
Walasmulla13.5km
roadcrossing)
28.100km
(BeliattaWalasmulla
roadcrossing)
Kahagalla
40.440km
Diamond
Weeraketiya7.3km
Ranna7.9km
Angunakolapellessa
49.565km
Diamond
Middeniya 16.8 km
Angunakolapellessa 4.0
km
Wetiya
57.485km
Diamond
Embilipitiya14.0Km
Nonagama19.0Km
Sooriyawewa
67.370km
Trumpet
Sooriyawewa4.5km
Mirijjawila18.8Km
Andarawewa
73.000km
SystemICbetweenSEW
extension and Sea Port
Airportexpressway
Mattala
80.500km
Trumpet
Airport1.750km

At this stage of the project no specific areas within the Right of Way (ROW) have been identified as
reservation areas. However the ecological maps annexed in the report presents the reserved forest
areasandanywildlifeprotectedareasclosetotheproject(locatedwithinacorridorof1.5kmtoboth
sideoftheproposedcenterline).Thedetailedlayoutplanoftheproposedexpresswaysectionwiththe
interchangesispresentedinannex2.1.
2.2.3. Ownership of project site
First13kmoftheexpresswaypassesmainlythroughpaddyfieldsownedbyprivatepartiesandmarshy
lands of Nilwala flood plane which are crown lands. From chainage 13+000 to 15+000 the trace is on
mainlyhomegardensandcoconutestates.Betweenchainage15+000and18+000therouteisthrougha
narrow land section of Dandeniya Aparekka forest reserve which is under the purview of Forest
52

Department.Thissectionoflandhasbeeninfluencedbyhumanactivitiesandtherearelocalroadsin
the area. Between chainage 19+000 and 21+000 the route is mainly through Cinnamon estates which
areprivatelyowned.Homegardensarealsoprominentwithinthissection.Fromchainage21+000upto
Beliatta (chainage 30+000) the trace passes through privately owned home gardens, paddy fields,
coconutestatesandotheragriculturallands.
Beyond Beliatta to Mattala the expressway passes through mainly paddy fields, coconut estates and
homegardensownedbyprivatepartiesandMahaweliAuthority.LandwithinWalaweriverfloodplane
andshrubforestpatchesarecrownlands.
Sectionoftheexpresswayfromchainage71+000to78+000willbelocatedwithinanelephantcorridor
designatedasManagedElephantReserve(MER)managedbytheDepartmentofWildlifeConservation
andlandsbelongingtoMahaweliAuthority.
Except for the flood planes, forest area and shrub forest patches close to Mattala, most of the lands
within the proposed corridor are at present privately owned. However, these private lands and land
belonging to other state agencies will be acquired for the project under land Acquisition Act (LAA)
beforethecommencementoftheproject.Therefore,whenthelandacquisitioniscompletedtheland
withintheproposedcorridorwillbevesteduponRDA.
2.2.4. Design details of all project components
Theprojectisstillinthefeasibilitystudylevelandthetypicalcrosssectionsdevelopedfortheextension
ofexpresswayispresentedinannex2.3.Theexpresswaywillbeconstructedasanelevatedstructure
mainlyonviaductsandembankment.LandacquisitionwillbedonethroughacorridortoobtainaROW
sufficientforsix(6)trafficlanes;howevertheinitialconstructionwillbeonlyfour(4)lanes.Lengthof
thetrace,viaductlength,cut/filllength,heightoftheembankment,widthoftheROW,numberof
lanes, interchanges, grade separated crossings (overpasses, underpasses etc.), drainage provisions,
service areas to be kept are summarized below. It should also be noted that no tunnels will be
constructedunderthisproject.
Table2.3DesigndetailsofMataratoMattalaofSEWextension
Chainage
Item Designdetail
Chainage0+000to
30+000
30+000to
56+000
1
Lengthoftrace(km)
30.00
26.00
2
Viaductlength(km)
5.25

3
Cutlength LHS
2.86
1.62
(km)

RHS
2.72
2.00
4
Filllength LHS
12.14
13.38
(km)

RHS
12.28
13.00
5
Heightof
434
416
embankment(m)

Chainage
Chainage
56+000to
71+000to
71+000
80+500
15.00
9.50
0.600
0.930
2.0
1.57
1.72
12.4

1.21
7.06

12.68
412

7.42
412

53

Item

Designdetail

6
7

8
9
10
11

WidthofROW(m)
No.of
Initial
lanes

Ultimate
No.ofinterchanges
No.ofunderpasses
No.ofoverpasses
Drainageprovisions

12

Serviceareas

Chainage0+000to
30+000
80200
04

Chainage
Chainage
Chainage
30+000to
56+000to
71+000to
56+000
71+000
80+500
80140
80120
80120
04
04
04

06
06
06
06
03
02
02
01
22
20
09
02
05
05
03
00
Both surface & subsurface Drainage shall be provided by considering
theoverallvolumeofwatertobehandledandthetimedistributionof
thedischarge(Asperthedetailedhydrologicalstudy).Alldrainsshall
bebuiltupandnecessarypipeculverts,sideditches,catchbasingand
head/wingwalls,etc.willbeprovided.
Chainage

Chainage22+100to
Chainage
70+100to
22+600
35+300to
35+700(LHS) 70+600
Chainage
37+400to
37+800(RHS)
(Optional)

Chainageofthebridgelocations,underpassandoverpasslocationsofproposedsouthernexpressway
extensionispresentedinbelowtable.
Table2.4Chainageofproposedbridge,underpassandoverpasslocations
Chainage0+000to30+000
Chainage
Typeofstructure Typeofstructurecrossed
2+530.00 UP
W
4+110.00 UP
R
6+700.00 UP
R+W
8+500.00 UP
R
11+160.00 UP
R
11+915.00 UP
R
13+620.00 OP
R
14+300.00 UP
R
15+300.00 OP
R
17+540.00 OP
R
18+420.00 UPBR
R
18+700.00 OP
R
19+650.00 UP
R
20+180.00 OP
R
20+840.00 UP
R
21+300.00 UP
R
21+690.00 UP
R
54

Chainage
22+485.00
23+200.00
23+610.00
24+280.00
24+870.00
25+350.00
25+840.00
26+400.00
26+900.00
27+370.00

Typeofstructure
UP
UP
UP
UP
UP
UP
UP
UP
UP
UP

Typeofstructurecrossed
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

UP=UnderPass,OP=OverPass,BR=Bridge,RIV=River,R=Road,W=River,stream,Irrigation/drainagecanal

Chainage30+000to56+000
Chainage
Typeofstructure
30+750.00 UPBR
31+425.00 UP
32+340.00 UP
32+940.00 OP
34+140.00 OP
35+610.00 UP
36+450.00 UP
38+340.00 OP
39+840.00 OP
40+800.00 UPBR
41+620.00 OP
42+620.00 UP
43+510.00 UPBR
43+950.00 UP
44+200.00 RIVBR
44+665.00 UPBR
45+720.00 UP
47+180.00 UPBR
48+060.00 UPBR
49+040.00 UP
49+930.00 UPBR
50+400.00 UPBR
51+160.00 RIVBR
51+580.00 UP
52+615.00 UPBR
53+820.00 RIVBR
54+335.00 UPBRI
55+040.00 UPBRI

Typeofstructurecrossed
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
W
W
R
W
R
R
R
W
W
R
W
W
W
W

UP=UnderPass,OP=OverPass,BR=Bridge,RIV=River,R=Road,W=River,stream,Irrigation/drainagecanal

55

Chainage56+000to71+000
Chainage
Typeofstructure
56+400.00 UP
57+320.00 UP
57+900.00 UPBR
59+500.00 UPBR
60+710.00 UP
62+080.00 UP
63+960.00 OP
65+890.00 OP
67+730.00 UPBR
68+110.00 UP
69+000.00 OPBR
70+120.00 UP

Typeofstructurecrossed
R
R
R
W
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

UP=UnderPass,OP=OverPass,BR=Bridge,RIV=River,R=Road,W=River,stream,Irrigation/drainagecanal

Chainage71+000to80+500
Chainage
Typeofstructure
77+000 UP
77+890 BR
78+240 BR

Typeofstructurecrossed
R(forMeegahajandura
road)
Drainageandanimal
crossing
Drainageandanimal
crossing

UP=UnderPass,OP=OverPass,BR=Bridge,RIV=River,R=Road,W=River,stream,Irrigation/drainagecanal

This section has two viaduct sections with spans of 690 m and 240 m to allow free movement of
elephantswithintheManagedElephantRange.
The expressway will have a design speed of 120 kmph and an operational speed of 100 kmph. The
geometricalstandardsfordesignarepresentedintable2.5below.
Table2.5Proposedgeometricalstandardsfortheexpressway
Parameter
Value
Minimumcrossfall Carriageway
2.5%
Shoulder
3%
Maximumsuperelevation
6%
Stoppingsitedistance
301m
Passingsitedistance
602m
Minimumhorizontalcurveradius
760m
Maximumgrades
3%5%
Length of vertical Crest
K=202.9
curves(L)
Sag
K=112.0
Note: L = K * A (where K is Length of Vertical Curves per percent change in A; and A is Algebraic difference in
grades)

56

Storm water drainage system, lighting system, traffic signs and markings, fencing, safety barriers and
other road furniture including provisions for animal crossings, landscaping and planting design, rest
areas and emergency provisions will be designed in detail during the detail design stage and before
awardingthecontracts.
2.2.5. Methodology of construction
Theexpresswaywillbeconstructedasanelevatedstructuremostlyrunningonembankment,viaducts
andbridges.Allroadsthatwillbeconnectedtotheexpresswaythroughinterchangeswillbedeveloped
intoatleastwithtwolanecondition.
A sequence of operations will be carried out during construction of the expressway. Most significant
operationsaredescribedbelow;

Clearing of land and grubbing operations (i.e. removal of vegetation, ground cover and
structures)
Earthworkandrockexcavation
Softgroundtreatment
Cuttingofslopes
Construction of bridges, viaduct sections and culverts (construction of structures including tall
boothsandotheraccessories)
Slopeprotectionandconstructionofdrainagefacilities
Layingofsubbase
Layingofbinderandwearingcourse
Fixingofroadfurnitureandlanemarking

Atthisstageoftheprojectitisestimatedthatalabourforceofabout2500labourers(includingskilled
andsemiskilled)willberequiredfortheconstructionworks.Theselabourerswillbesupervisedthrough
laboursupervisors,TechnicalofficersandSiteEngineers.Labourcampswillneedtobeconstructedclose
totheproposedROW.Suchlabourcampswillhaveallhygienicfacilitiesandifwomenlabourisrequired
they will be provided with separate labour camps. The labour camps will also be constructed only at
locationsapprovedbylocalauthorities.
Toenableacontinuousoperationoftheexpresswayasetofmaintenanceoperationsneedtobecarried
outduringtheoperationalstage.Themaintenanceworkneedtobecarriedoutcouldbeseparatedas
routine maintenance work, periodic maintenance work and emergency maintenance work. Critical
activitiesineachabovesegmentcouldbelistedasfollows;

(a) Routine maintenance work, that needs to be done annually to maintain the entire system
include;

GeneralupkeepoftheROW
Repairstotheexpresswaysurface
Cleaningofdrainageditches,culvertsanddrains
Repairstoroadfurniture
57

RepairsandcleaningofROWfencingetc.
Regularmaintenanceofbridges,viaductsectionsandculverts
Cleaningandrepairofanimalcrossingstructuresandbarriers
(b) Periodic maintenance work, which mainly depends on the traffic volume plying along the
expresswayinclude;

Overlayingofpayment
Replacingpavementmarkings

(c)Emergencymaintenancework,whichmaybeneededafterfollowingincidents;
Accidents
Flooddamage
Failureofcutslopesorearthslips

2.2.5.1.
Quantities of raw materials required and sources
Variouspavementandembankmentconstructionmaterialwillberequiredfortheconstruction,andout
ofthosewhichareimportantinanenvironmentalpointofviewarethematerialswhichwillbeobtained
fromnaturalsources.Thesematerialsaremetal(1and)foraggregates,gravelforembankmentsand
sand for concrete and pavement works. Approximate quantities of each material for each section of
expresswayarelistedbelow.Thesefiguresarebasedontheinitialdesignsandwillberefinedduringthe
detailsdesignsandpreparationoffinalBillsofQuantities(BOQ).
Table2.6Estimatedquantitiesofmaterial
Typeofmaterial
Chainage 0+000 to Chainage 30+000 to Chainage 56+000 to
30+000
56+000
71+000
Estimatedquantity(m3) Estimatedquantity(m3) Estimatedquantity(m3)
Sand
70,000
27,000
24,000
Gravel
5,500,000
6,100,000
3,600,000
Aggregate
950,000
820,000
400,000
Note:Thequantitiesofmaterialforsection71+000to80+500isincludedundertheEIAReportforseaportairport
expresswayproject

Thecontractorwillbeinstructedtoobtainmaterialonlyfromquarrysitesandborrowsiteswhichare
approvedbyGeologicalMinesandSurveyBureau(GS&MB),CEAandrespectivelocalauthorities.The
contractor will select suitable material extraction locations with adequate capacity and required
material quality. However, during this study the study team also identified few potential locations for
materialextraction;detailsoftheselocationsarepresentedinannex2.4.
2.2.5.2.
Estimated waste quantities and proposed disposal sites
Soft ground treatment is a construction activity which in general accumulates a lot of waste (soil).
Howevertheamountwillvarybasedonthesoftgroundtreatmentmethod/sutilizedbythecontractor.
Out of different methods of soft ground treatment the Excavation and replacement with compacted
gravelmethodwillbegeneratingmorewastesoilcomparedtoothermethods.
58

Landclearingwillalsoyieldsomewastewhichincluderemainsofdemolishedstructuresanduprooted
vegetation. The top soil removed during grubbing operations could be reused for turfing of
embankmentslopes.
Construction yard waste such as oil, grease used machinery parts will also be generated as waste
material during the construction stage. Labour camps will be another source of waste generation.
However,labourcampswillmainlygeneratewastewhichcanbecategorizedasMunicipalSolidWaste
(MSW)whichincludesdomesticwaste.
The quantities of waste will be estimated at the detailed design stage of the project. However, the
contractorwillbeinstructedtodisposewasteonlyatlocationsapprovedbyrespectivelocalauthorities.
BelowtablelistsafewlandsavailableinBeliattaDSD(identifiedbyDivisionalSecretary,BeliattaDSD)
whichcouldbeusedasdisposalsites.Thelandslistedundertable5.2couldalsobeusedfordisposal
purposes.Lettersfromthedivisionalsecretariesregardingtheavailabilityoflandsareattachedinannex
8.2.
Table2.7LandsavailableformaterialdisposalatBeliattaDSD
Divisional Secretariat Grama Niladari Details of the owner of the Extent
Division
Division
land
available
Beliatta
315, Beligalla, Dalukketiyawatta
south
Dunwatta
Ambiliketiara,Medakebella
316,
Land in front of Angulmaduwa
Angulmaduwa
college,W.B.Pathma
Land in front of Angulmaduwa
college,DharmadasaPeris
Land in front of Konrole
Kadaya,
K.H.H.
Chandramalkanthi
Abhyasiri
land,
A.N.l.
Siriyawathi

of

land

1Acre
40Perches
2Roods
40Perches
60Perches
30Perches

1Acre

2.2.5.3.
Details of service roads to be built/ improved and other facilities
Section from Matara to Beliatta of the expressway will have three (3) Interchange locations (IC).
Locations of these ICs are presented in table 2.2. The roads that are connected through the ICs are
Matara Akuressa (A024) road, Devinuwara Hakmana (B275) road, Hakmana Beliatta Thangalle
(B141)road,MataraYatiyanaroadandBeliattaWalasmulla(B054)road.
Section from Beliatta to Mattala of the expressway will have five (5) Interchanges (IC) locations,
including the already constructed IC at Mattala. The roads that are connected through these ICs are
WetiyaRanna(B387)road,HungamaTalawaMiddeniya(B622)road,PelmadullaEmbilipitiya
Nonagama(A018)roadandMirijjawilaSooriyawewa(B562)road.

59

Atleasttheroadsectionfromnearesttowncentertotherespectiveinterchangeofaboveroadswillbe
improvedtotwolanestandardtofacilitatesmoothtrafficflowintoandoutoftheexpressway.
2.2.6. Details of any phased development activities and time schedule
There will be no phasing of construction of the proposed extension to the SEW. However the
constructioncontractwillbeawardedasfour(4)separatepackagesorsectionsasfollows;
Section1:

Matara(chainage0+000)toBeliatta(chainage30+000)

Length30.000km

Section2:

Beliatta(chainage30+000)toWetiya(chainage56+000)

Length26.000km

Section3:

Wetiya(chainage56+000)toAndarawewa(chainage71+000) Length15.000km

Section4:

ArabokkatoMattalaairport(includingAndarawewatoMattala)Length24.000km

Proposed time schedule of activities for sections 1, 2 and 3 for which this report is prepared are
presentedbelow.
Table2.8Scheduleofconstructionactivities
Section1
Activity/Year
2013
Quarterofyear Q3 Q4 Q1
Landacquisition

Awardingofcontract

Commencementofcivil

works

Section2
Activity/Year
2013
Quarterofyear Q3 Q4 Q1
Landacquisition

Awardingofcontract

Commencementofcivil

works

Section3
Activity/Year
2013
Quarterofyear Q3 Q4 Q1
Landacquisition

Awardingofcontract

Commencementofcivil

works

2014
Q2 Q3

Q4

2014
Q2 Q3

2015
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3

2014
Q2 Q3

Q4

Q1

Q1

2015
Q2 Q3

2015
Q2 Q3

2016
Q2 Q3

Q4

2016
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3

Q4

2016
Q2 Q3

Q4

Q4

Q4

Q1

Q1

60

2.2.7. Project cost, investment and funding sources

ThetotalprojectcostforconstructionoftheexpresswayextensionfromMataratoMattalaisestimated
at SLR 174.9 billion (without Provisional Sum Price Escalation 10% and Contingencies 10%). The
estimatedprojectcostforconstructionofsections1,2,3and4ofexpresswayextensionwithout10%
Provisional Sum for Price Escalation and Contingencies 10% will be 77 billion SLR, 38 billion SLR, 23
billionSLRand35.5billionSLR.Thesummaryofcostispresentedintable2.9(a)and(b).Governmentof
Sri Lanka has requested the Exim Bank of China through the Government of the Republic of China to
financetheproject.EstimatedengineeringcostsofprojectextractedfromtheBillsofQuantities(BOQ)
aregivenbelow.
Table2.9(a)Estimatedengineeringcostforconstructionofsection1
ItemNo.
Description
1
PreliminaryandGeneral1A
1B
2
SiteClearing
3
Earthworks
4
SubBase,BaseandShoulders
5
SurfaceApplication,SurfaceDressingsandSurfacing
6
Bridges&OtherStructure
7
DrainageConstruction
8
IncidentalWorks
9
DayworksLabour
DayworksMaterials
DayworksEquipment
10
ProvisionalSum

SubTotal1
ProvisionalSumPriceEscalation10%
Contingencies10%
SubTotal2

Amount(SLR)
1,666,800,000.00
343,990,000.00
2,015,780,350.00
25,070,282,650.00
2,142,119,520.00
4,251,773,034.00
33,031,797,690.00
1,042,877,000.00
4,845,120,128.00
1,936,800.00
11,419,130.00
4,936,860.00
3,358,500,000.00
77,787,333,162.00
7,778,733,316.20
7,778,733,521.80
93,344,800,000.00

Table 2.9 (b) Estimatedengineeringcostforconstructionofsections2,3and4

Item
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Description
PreliminaryandGeneral1A
1B
SiteClearing
Earthworks
SubBase,BaseandShoulders
SurfaceApplication,Surface
DressingsandSurfacing
Bridges&OtherStructure
DrainageConstruction
IncidentalWorks

Package2
1,899,200,000
315,040,000
798,578,550
13,284,286,825
2,130,290,000
4,135,964,400

Amount(SLR)
Package3
1,178,800,000
237,860,000
630,110,250
7,864,236,000
1,135,834,000
1,970,107,500

9,053,142,407
1,198,649,791
2,265,954,900

5,108,918,936 9,838,687,948
1,012,246,000 204,879,824
2,373,510,716 2,711,333,309

Package4
1,835,800,000
292,615,000
213,053,200
10,021,001,740
2,243,193,750
3,340,145,100

61

10

DayworksLabour
DayworksMaterials
DayworksEquipment
ProvisionalSum
SubTotal1
ProvisionalSumPriceEscalation
10%
Contingencies10%
SubTotal2

18,716,837
3,200,675,000
38,300,498,710

1,939,500

13,356,157
11,649,540
4,945,695
1,919,975,000 4,827,175,000
23,450,133,137
35,541,241,029

3,830,049,871 2,345,013,313.70 3,554,124,103

3,830,049,871 2,345,013,749.30 3,554,124,103
45,960,598,453 28,140,160,000.00 42,649,489,000

62

3. Description of the existing environment

3.1.Physical environment
3.1.1. Existing land use along the proposed corridor
The first 10 km of the proposed expressway extension from Matara (Akurugoda) is mainly passing
through the upper reaches of Nilwala river flood plane with paddy fields, marshy lands and few
settlementareasonhighland.TheproposedtraceistocrosstheDandeniyaForestReserve(FR)between
chainage 15+000 and 18+000 and the remaining trace up to Beliatta will be located mainly on paddy
fields,estateswithcoconut,cinnamonandhomegardens.
From Beliatta to Mattala the expressway will be located mainly over paddy fields, Coconut estates,
plantationsofbanana,homegardens,andshrubjungleandwaterbodiessuchasWalaweriver.Belowis
a description of main features of land use within the proposed ROW from Matara (Akurugoda) to
Mattala.
Chainage0+000to15+000
The main land use patterns from the chainage 0+000 to 13+000 are paddy fields and home gardens.
Marshy and riverbank vegetation could also be observed in abundance as this section of expressway
passesthroughtheupperreachesofNilwalariverfloodplane.Thetracecrossesoverthetributariesand
mainriverofNilwalariver.Kiralakelesanctuaryislocatedclosetotheproposedtracebuttheproposed
tracedoesnotcrossoverit.MataraAkuressa(A024)andMataraHakmana(B057)roadsarecrossed
by the expressway, and ribbon type development could be observed within some sections of these
existingroads.SomehomegardenswithhousesarelocatedwithintheproposedROW.Twoschools,a
postoffice,fourtempleswereidentifiedonbothsidesoftheproposedtrace.
Beyondchainage13+000thetracepassesthroughhighlandwithcoconutandrubbercultivations.Few
paddytracksarealsopresentwithhomegardens.AtempleislocatedclosetotheROW,whileMatara
KekunaduraviaYatiyanaroadispassedbytheexpressway.
Chainage15+000to30+000
Between chainage 15+000 and 18+000 the trace passes through a narrow section of Dandeniya
(Walakanda)forestreserve.Surroundingoftheforestareahasalreadybeenmodifiedtosomeextentby
humanactivities.Aroundchainage15+400thetracepassesclosetotheThambagalaella(waterfalland
stream)whichislocatedneartheborderoftheforestreserve.Beyondchainage18+000theproposed
trace is mainly through coconut and cinnamon estates and home gardens. Dandeniya (Aparekka) IC is
locatedaroundchainage18+400ofthissectionofexpressway.
ThetraceentersBeliattaareaaroundchainage27+000.AnICwillbelocatedwithinBeliattaconnecting
theexpresswaywithBeliattaHakmanaroadandBeliattaWalasmullaroad.Twoschoolsandtemples
arelocatedclosetotheproposedROW.

63

Ciinnamon
pllantedarea

16+800

16+100

15+600
15+500

17
7+200

166+900

DandeniyyaFR

Proposed
expresswaaytrace

Figure3.1
1ProposedtracethroughD
Dandeniyafo
orestreserve
Chainage
e30+000to40
0+000
The main land use in this section is
i identified as
a paddy, cocconut cultivaated land and
d home gardeening.
Aroundch
hainage30+7
750thepropo
osedtracecro
ossesKirama oya.Twotem
mplescouldb
beidentifiedttothe
righthand
dsideofthetracewithin
n200meters radiuswhichhisalsocloseetoatributaaryofKiramaaOya.
Anotherttempleislocaatedcloseto thetraceontothelefthhandsideatPPahalaBeligalavillage.Asschool
and few houses
h
with home garden
ns are also lo
ocated close to the propo
osed trace up
p to Talpitiyaagama
village.An
nothervillage
elocatedclosetothetrace
ewithinthisssectionisAth
hgalmullavillaage.
Fewpatch
hesofscrub junglecould beidentified
dclosetochaainage35+0000asminorlaanduse.The trace
crossesth
heTangalleW
Weeraketiya(B410)roadaatBedigamavvillageclosettothechainage35+250.
Chainage
e40+000to50
0+000
RannaW
Weeraketiya (B387)road iscrossedbyythetraceattchainage400+450.Kahaggallainterchangeis
alsolocattedwithinthissectionoftthetracearoundchainagee40+800.Ho
omegardeningandpaddy fields
arethem
mainlanduse whilecoconu
ut,Bananalandsandscru bjungleare theminorlan
nduseinthearea.
Kasagala ancient temple is situate
ed to the lefft hand side of the tracee within a raadius of 800 m of
Kahagallainterchange.Aroundchainage41+750
0asmallscaleeirrigationreeservoirisloccatedveryclo
oseto
the trace towards the
e left side of the trace. Fe
ew other succh small scalee irrigation reeservoirs cou
uld be
observed withinthissectionofexp
pressway.The
eproposedtrracealsopasssesoverUdaayalaAluthw
wewa
64

hinthissection.Hungama
TalawaM
Middeniya(B6622)roadiscrrossedbytheeexpresswayytrace
roadwith
aroundch
hainage50+000.
Chainage
e50+000to60
0+000
Paddy lan
nds dominate
e this section
n of the tracce while hom
me gardens and shrub jun
ngle could also be
observed.. Banana culttivated lands could also be
b observed w
within this seection. The expressway crrosses
PelmadullaEmbilipittiyaNonagaama(A018)ro
oadaroundcchainage57+5550.Theexpresswaytraceealso
crossesW
Walaweriverw
withinthissecction(chainagge59+080).
Chainage
e60+000to70
0+000
Scrubjungleandforesstcouldbeo
observedwith
hinthissectioon.Homegarrdeningand paddyfields could
alsobeidentifiedinfewlocationsaasminorlanduse.Bediganntotairrigatio
onschemeislocatedwithiinthis
sectionoffthetracebu
utmorethan7
700mawayffromthecentterline.
Scrubs,paaddyandforestarethep
predominant landuseide ntifiedwithin
nthelastfew
wkilometers along
the trace. Viharagala temple is loccated to the left hand sidde of the roaad within 1 kkm distance o
of the
trace.
Chainage
e70+000to80
0+500
This section of the exxpressway passes mainly through
t
shruub jungle and
d over few ho
ome gardenss. This
nated wildlife
e corridors, including thee Andarawew
wa Managed Elephant Reeserve
area has a few design
(MER). Haambantota Meegahajan
ndura (B631) road is crosssed by the eexpressway att Gonnoruwaa. The
section frrom Gonnoru
uwa to Matttala airport interchange has already been constrructed alongg with
Mattala IC. A land strrip to about 3 km length from Gonnooruwa toward
ds Andaraweewa has also been
clearedfrromvegetatio
on.

Figure3.2
2Panoramicvviewsofexistinglandscape
eofprojecta rea

Atchainagge0+000

65


Atchainagge2+200

Atchainagge3+250

Atchainagge4+500

66


Atchainagge6+600

Atchainagge10+000

Atchainagge13+200

Betweenchainage15+
+000and18+0
000

67


Aroundch
hainage20+0
000

BeliattaIC
Carea

68


Chainage35+300

Chainage35+300

Chainage36+600

Chainage46+800

69


Chainage46+800

Chainage49+900

Chainage52+300

Chainage54+100

70

Chainage54+700

Chainage55+100

Chainage56+900

Chainage57+600

71

Chainage59+800(Walaweriver)

Chainage61+800

Chai nage73+0000

Chainage76+300

Chai nage76+8000

72

graphy, Geo
ology and soil
3.1.2. Topog
eral topograp
phy from Maatara to Beliaatta could bee classified aas rolling, un
ndulating and
d flat,
The gene
beyondBeliattathetopographygraaduallychanggesfromunduulatingtoflatt.Topographiicalvariationalong
erlinefromM
MataratoMaattalaofprop
posedexpressswayispreseentedinfigurres3.3(a)an
nd(b).
thecente
Between MataratoBe
eliattatheexpresswayliessonagrounddsurfacewithanelevatio
onbetween1
1mto
130 m ab
bove Mean Sea
S Level (MSSL) where th
he highest eleevation is reached at Ihaalagoda wherre the
altitude iss about 130 m above MSL. From Beliaatta to Mattaala the elevation along th
he center linee vary
between 10 m and 50
0 m above MSL
M with a graadual increasse of elevatio
on close to A
Andarawewa w
which
peaksat7
77maboveM
MSL.

Figure3.3
3(a)Verticalp
profileoftheexpresswayssectionfrom MataratoBeeliatta(asperrGPSlog)

Figure3.3
3(b)Verticalp
profileoftheexpresswaysectionfrom BeliattatoM
Mattala(aspeerGPSlog)
RocksofP
Precambrianoriginarepre
edominantintheprojectaarea.Thesero
ockshavemeetamorphoseedand
highlydefformedunderupperamphibolitestoggranulitefacieesconditionssabout610550million years
ago.
Onthebaasisofrocktyype,metamorphicgrade, structureanddisotopicchaaracteristics, projectarea could
bedivided
dintoLithotectonicunitsofHighland complex,VijaayancomplexxandRanna complex.Higghland
andtheV
Vijayancomplexesarefoun
ndasthemosstprominent lithotectoniccunitsinthep
projectarea.

73

d in to Hig hland compllex which m

mostly consissts of
Lithology of project area could be classified
ntiated tecto
onically interccalated quarttz feldspar garnet graanulite, quarttzite, intermeediate
undifferen
and acid charnockite, garnet sillimanite graanulite, garn et sillimanite graphitte gneiss, garrnet
ebiotitegneiss,graphite
egneiss,marb
ble,calcgraanuliteorgneeiss,basicchaanockite,pyro
oxene
sillimanite
amphibolite. Quartzite
e and charno
ockite (hyperssthenes, dioppside gneiss o
or granulite w
with homeblende,
biotite, and garnet) and charnockiite gneiss are
e also found within the H
Highland com
mplex of the area.
Marble, Dolamite
D
marrble and calc granulite or gneiss couuld be found
d in small quaantities withiin the
projectarrea.(source:FFieldobservationsandThe
eNationalAt lasofSriLankka,SecondEd
dition,2007).
TheprojectareaislocaatedwithinagroecologicaalzonesofW
WL2a,IL1a,ILL1b,DL1ban
ndDL5within
nLow
W Zone, Low Country Intermediate
e Zone and Low Countryy Dry Zone. Major soil ggroups
Country Wet
observed ineachofth
heagroecolo
ogicalzones,tterrainfeaturresand75% expectancyo
ofannualrain
nfallis
presented
dintable3.1below.
Table3.1Characteristicsofagroeco
ologicalzonesoftheprojeectarea
Monthly Histogram
ms of 75% expectancy rain
Desccription
Agro
75% Ra
ecological
ainfall Probability of annual raiinfall Terraiin
M
Majorsoilgro
oups
zone
for respective reggions (mm))
(mm)
WL2a
>2400
0
Rollingg,
R
Red Yellow Podzolic
undulating and ((RYP)
flat
LLow Humicc Gley

((LHG) and B
Bog and

H
HalfBogsoiils
IL1a
>1400
0
Rollingg,
R
RYP with strongly
subsoil,
undulating and m
mottled
flat
R
RYP, LHG, R
RBL and
R
Regosolsoils

IL1b
>110
00
Rollingg,
R
RYP, RBL, RB
BE, LHG

undulating and aandRegosolssoils

flat

DL1b

>900

Undullating

R
RBEandLHGsoils

74

DL5

>650

Undullating and R
RBE soils with high
Flat
aamount of ggravel in
ssubsoil, LH
HG and
SSolodizedSollonetz
ssoils

Source:Na
ationalAtlasoffSriLanka,Seccondedition,20
007

3.1.3. Clima
atic and metteorological features
Project arrea lies withiin a region having
h
a tropical climate ddivided in to
o three climattic regions ass Low
countryw
wetzoneandLowcountryyintermediattezoneandLLowcountry dryzone.Theelevationo
oflow
countryzo
onesisbelow
w300m(MSLL).Contributio
onofmonsooonrains;land
duseandveggetationhaveebeen
widelyuse
edindifferen
ntiationofafo
oresaidclimatticzones.
Climate in
n the initial section
s
of the expressway which is loocated in thee wet zone iss hot and mo
oist in
contrastttothesection
nfallingwithintheinterm
mediateandddryzoneareaaswhichthe remainingpartof
theexpresswaypassessthrough.
The first 30 km of the
e project (up to Beliatta) located withhin low counttry wet zone and intermeediate
zonerece
eiveanintenssiveannualraainfallof1700
0mmto32000mm,since theareaisfo
oundinwindward
sideofth
hesouthwesttmonsoonw
winds.South westmonsooonwindssweeepingoveraalargeparto
ofthe
Indian occean bring co
onsiderable amounts
a
of water vapouur to producce rain mainly over the south
western part
p
of the country
c
including Matara,, Dandeniya and Beliatta area. South west mon
nsoon
(fromMaytoSeptemb
ber)andfirstintermonsoo
on(fromMarrchtoApril)aarethemain rainyseasonsthat
bringraintothesearea.
Between Beliatta and
d Mattala wh
here the proposed trace is located m
mainly in the dry zone, p
passes
through a
a region whicch receives an annual rain
nfall in the raange of 650 m
mmto 1600 mm. Second
d inter
monsoon rainsinmidSeptember/O
Octoberwhicchcontinues uptolateJaanuary/Februaryalongwitththe
r
are the main rainy seasons that bring rains to lands betw
ween Beliatta and
north easst monsoon rains
Mattala. Climatologicaally the district of Hambaantota is loc ated within one of the d
driest parts in the
Southernregion.
Consideringtheregion
nspassedbyttheproposed
dexpressway,,theaverageemaximumteemperatureranges
0
0
from29 Cto38 C.Highestvaluessarebeingre
ecordeddurinngtheperiod
doflateFebruarytoearlyyMay.
0
0
Theaveraageminimum
mtemperature
eisrangedfrrom22 Cto224 Cwhere thelowestvaaluesaregen
nerally
observed during perio
od of Decemb
ber to Februaary (Source: Department of Agriculturre). The Maximum
and the Minimum
M
Temperature anomaly trend
d of Galle annd Hambanto
ota regions ((1931 2000
0) are
illustrated
dinfollowinggfigures3.4and3.5.

75


Galleregiion(19312000)

Hambanttotaregion(1
19512000)
Figure3.4
4MaximumTTemperatureaanomalytren
ndofGalleandHambantottaregions(So
ource:Nation
nal
AtlasofSrriLanka,Seco
ondedition,2
2007)

76


Galleregiion(19312000)

Hambanttotaregion(1
19512000)
Figure3.5
5MinimumTe
emperatureaanomalytrendofGalleanddHambantottaregions(So
ource:Nationaal
AtlasofSrriLanka,Seco
ondedition,2
2007)
Winddire
ectionandwiindspeedsin
nthesouthernregionand thecountry aredependeedonthepreessure
gradients developed between
b
Sibe
erian high and
d Mascarine high. Wind rroses develop
ped for montths of
January, April, July and October by Departme
ent of Meteeorology is p
presented in figure 3.6 b
below.
Accordingg to the wind
d roses the wind
w
direction
ns and speedds within Ham
mbantota and southern rregion
couldbed
describedasffollows;

JanuarryNortherlyydirectionwiithaveragesppeedof21.2kmph
April Calmwindwithaverage
espeedof14..4kmph
77

JulySouthwestdirectionwithaveragespeeedof23.4km
mph
estdirectionwithaverageespeedof18..0kmph
OctoberSouthwe

Figure3.6
6WindrosesfformonthsofJanuary,Ap
pril,JulyandO
OctoberdevelopedbyDep
pt.ofMeteoro
ology
78

The day time relative humidity recorded in the project area is generally ranged from 55% to 75%,
whereasthenighttimevaluesmayreachevenupto90%.
3.1.4. Surface and groundwater hydrology and drainage
3.1.4.1.
Drainage pattern across the proposed trace
The proposed trace of southern expressway extension from Matara to Beliatta runs around 610km
landward and almost parallel to the coastal line, beyond Beliatta the trace moves more towards the
inlandarea.Asthecountryhasaradiatingtypeofnaturaldrainagepattern(originatingfromthecentral
hilllands)theproposedtracewillintersectfewriversandstreamslocatedinthesouthernregionina
nearperpendicularmanner,withalefttorightdrainagedirectionacrossthetrace.BetweenMataraand
Beliatta the proposed expressway extension trace will pass across drainage basins of Nilwala river,
SinimodaraOya(river)andKiramaOya(river).BetweenBeliattaandMattalathetracewillpassthrough
drainage basins of Rekawa Oya (river), Urubokka Oya (river), Kachigal Ara (river), Walawe river and
MalalaOya(river).
Initialsectionofabout12kmoftheextensionismoresignificantinhydrologicalaspectasitislocated
ontheupperreachesofNilwalafloodplane.Thisareaisgenerallyalowlandwithabundantnumberof
paddyfields,marshylands,irrigationcanalsandfewsettlementsonhighland.
TheexpresswaysectionfromBeliattatoMattalacrossesplentyofirrigationanddrainagecanalsmostof
whicharecomingunderUdaWalaweirrigationsystemwhichisfedbytheWalaweriver.UdaWalawe
irrigation system was launched under Uda Walawe Special Area Development of the Accelerated
MahaweliDevelopmentProjectinyear1982.Expresswaytracecrossesmaincanals,distributarycanals,
fieldcanals whichdischargeirrigationwaterfromChandrikaWewaatEmbilipitiyawhich isoneofthe
majorreservoirsconstructedunderUdaWalaweproject.
Streams, rivers, irrigation canals and other drainage canals of which are crossed by the expressway
extensionarementionedbelowintable3.2.
Table3.2Streams,rivers,irrigationcanalsandotherdrainagecanalscrossedbytheproposedtrace

Nameofthestream
Chainage(km)
Remarks
01 Minor tributary of Nilwala 2+400

River
02 TributaryofNilwalaRiver
2+800to3+400

03 do
3+400to6+400
Flows parallel to the
trace
Locatedwithin
Nilwalaflood
04 MainstreamofNilwala
6+600

plain
05 Minor tributary of Nilwala 7+850

River
06 Kanduwela Ela (A tributary 9+900

ofNilwalaRiver)
07 A tributary of Kanduwela 10+000to13+000
Flows parallel to the

79


08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Nameofthestream
Ela
ThambagalaEllastream
Aminorstream
Aminorstream
SinimodaraOya(astream)
KiramaOya(astream)
RekawaOya(astream)
UrubokkaOya
Irrigationcanal

Chainage(km)

Remarks

trace
15+350

19+100

21+550

24+500

30+200

34+500

43+400and43+600
43+900
Source of water
ChandrikaWewa
Irrigationcanal
46+850
do
Irrigationcanal
50+000
do
Stream
51+500

Irrigationcanal
52+250
Source of water
ChandrikaWewa
Stream
53+500

Irrigationcanal
54+000
Source of water
ChandrikaWewa
Stream
54+200

EkeEla
56+300
Main
canal
of
ChandrikaWewa
Irrigationcanal
56+650
Distributarycanal
Minor tributary of Walawe 58+000

river
WalaweRiver
59+800

Stream
64+500

MahaweligadaAra
66+500

Irrigationcanal
70+400

Irrigationcanal
70+700

MahaAra
72+300

Left bank canal of Andara 73+000

Wewa
MallaAra
77+470

32

Annex3.1ofthisreportpresentsthedrainagemapshowingmajorstreamscrossedbytheexpressway
andtheirdirectionofdrainage.

80

Nilwalariverandfloodplane
NilwalariveristhethirdlongestriverinSriLankawhichoriginatesfromRakwanahills.Atthepointof
intersection ofthe expressway,Nilwalariverencompassesacatchmentareaof960km2 andtheriver
disgorgesintoseaatThotamunaaftercrossingMataraTownship(figure3.7).Thecatchmentincludesa
largemountainouslandscapewithvarietyofvegetationcoverandhasanannualaverageprecipitation
of30004000mm1.
Hydrologically the section from Akurugoda (chainage 0+000) to Aparekka (chainage 13+000) of
expressway is highly sensitive since the particular section is located within Nilwala delta which
experiencesyearlyfloods.BasedonfindingsofthestudyofhydrologicalimplicationscarriedoutbyLHI,
severefloodswererecordedinyear1933,1944,1955,1969,1972,2000,2003,2008and2010which
caused significant damages to nearby population and properties. In year 2003, 1607 houses were
damagedwhile43,750peoplewereaffected1.
A flood protection scheme including earth dams and dykes were constructed under Nilwala Flood
ProtectionSchemeinyear1979tominimizethefloodimpactwithinNilwalafloodplane.Withoperation
ofthefloodprotectionschemethelocalfloodsaccumulatedinlowlyingareasoutsidetothesebunds
were pumped out to the Nilwala river using pump stations located at Thudawa, Magalagoda and
Thalgahagoda.ThesefloodcontrolmeasuresrelievedthefloodswhichusuallyoccureveryMayJune
and November December within Nilwala flood plane. However, areas such as Hiththatiya, Thudawa
andKosgamaarestillpronetobeinundationduringheavyrainyperiods.
SinimodaraOya
Sinimodara Oya is a minor stream crossed at chainage 24+500. This stream has a catchment area of
about38km2atitsdisgorgingpointtotheseaatSinimodara(Figure3.7)andcarriesannualdischargeof
about 20 Million Cubic Meters (MCM). The average annual rainfall of the basin is 1750 mm (Source:
National Atlas of Sri Lanka, Second Edition, 2007). At the point of intersection of the expressway, the
riverhasacatchmentareaof17.8km2andatthispointtherivercollectsdrainedwaterofsurrounding
paddylands.
KiramaOya
Kirama Oya crosses the proposed trace of the expressway at chainage 30+200 and encompasses a
catchment area of 108.3 km2 at the crossing. Kirama Oya is also an individual basin which has a
catchmentareaof223km2whichdrainsdirectlytoseaatTangalleandtherelevantbasinisshownin
figure3.5.AccordingtoliteratureKiramaOyacarriesanannualdischargeof108MCMandtheaverage
annual rainfall of the basin of the stream is between 1500 2000 mm (Source: National Atlas of Sri
Lanka,SecondEdition,2007).
Kirama Oya runs parallel to the proposed expressway trace for about 500 m along the left hand side
beforecrossingatchainage30+200.

Hydrological feasibility study for Southern Expressway Extension Project by LHI

81

Ananicutcouldbeobservedimmediateupstreamofthecrossing,howeverthisanicutislocatedoutside
oftheproposedROW(referannex3.1).Theanicutraisethewaterheadtosupplywatertoanirrigation
canalwhichsupplywatertothepaddylandslocatedinthearea.
Walaweriver
WalaweriverisoneoffourmajorriverswhichoriginatesfromSriPadamountain(AdamsPeak)havinga
length of 138 km when it disgorges to sea at Ambalantota. The proposed trace of the expressway
crossestheWalaweriveratthechainage59+800.Anislandcouldbeobservedatthecrossingpointand
thepiersofthebridgeacrosstheriverwillbelocatedtotheedgeofthisisland.
The Walawe basin (figures 3.7 and 3.8) with its tributaries covers a catchment area of 2476.7 km.
Annualaveragerainfallintheupperreachesofthebasinisover2540mm,whileatAmbalantotanear
theriver mouth;itisbelow1016mmperyear. Theriverdischarges1350MCMofwaterintothesea
annually.ThedevelopmentareaundertheWalaweBasinProjectincludestwosmallareas,extendingon
theeastuptotheMalalaoyaandonthewestuptoUrubokkaoya.
WalaweirrigationsystemdrawswaterfromtheUdaWalawereservoirlocatedontheWalaweriver.Uda
WalawereservoirconstructedacrossWalaweriveratUdaWalawehasacapacityof268MCM.Thetwo
maincanalsontherightandleftbanksflowthroughseveralsmallertanksontributariesoftheWalawe
river, and which contribute to the systems water resources. The Right Bank Main Canal (RBMC) is a
singlebankedcanalformostofits40.9kmandthereforecollectssomedirectrunofffromtheadjacent
higher ground(figure3.9).TheRBMC emptiesin toChandrika Wewa17kmbelowthe mainreservoir
andthentakesoffthrougharegulatorsystematthesouthernendtosupplywatertothebalance24km
oftheRBMC(Source:http://naturelanka.blogspot.com/2009/07/walaweriver.html).
Liyangastotaanicutwhichislocated2.26kmdownstream(alongtheriver)totheexpresswaycrossing
diverts water of Walawe river to two canals; right and left bank canals. Right bank canal irrigates
agricultural area around 3000 ha of agricultural land while left bank canal feeds Ridiyagama reservoir
(figure3.9).
TheprojectareaaroundtheWalawerivercouldbeconsideredasafloodproneareaduetospillingof
Walawe river. The river overflows if the Uda Walawe reservoir reaches its high flood level and spills.
Uda Walawe reservoir usually spills during early months of North East Monsoons (November to
December).Howeverthisisnotacommonsituationineachyear.Suchseverefloodswereexperienced
inyear1969and2013whichresulteddisastrousconditions.Asperthepublicexplanationsfloodwater
roseuptoaround34mheightattherightbankinyear2013.

82

FinalTrace
Ma
atara

Beeliatta

Figure
e3.7Riverbaasinscrossedbythepropo
osedtrace

83


Figure3.8
8Walawerive
erbasin

Figure3.9
9Walawebassinirrigationsystem

84

3.1.4.2.
Drainage capacity of existing waterways and flood ways across the
proposed trace
Floodways and drainage pathways along the proposed trace from Matara to Beliatta are mostly
restrictedtotheNilwalafloodplain.Maindrainagestructureswithinthissectionaregenerallyformed
with trapezoidal cross sections and earth lined with riverine vegetation. In general top width of these
canalsrangesbetween712mwithanaveragedepthof1.52.0m.Otherthanthat,drainagecanals
frompaddylandsareofmorerectangularincrosssectionwithaveragewidthof1.0manddepthless
than1.0m.Inseverefloodsituationsovertoppingofthesedrainagecanalsisacommonscenariowhere
floodwaterismechanicallypumpedouttothemainriverofNilwala.
CrossingofirrigationcanalsalongtheproposedtracefromBeliattatoMattalaisacommonsight.Asin
thecasefromMataratoBeliattathemajorirrigationstructureswithinthissectiongenerallytrapezoidal
in cross section and are mainly earth lined with riverine vegetation. Top width of these canals ranges
between 7 12 m with an average depth of 1.5 2.0 m. Drainage canals from paddy lands are of
rectangularcrosssectionwithaveragewidthof1.0manddepthlessthan1.0m.
3.1.4.3.
List of existing irrigation or drainage/flood protection schemes
encountered and details on flood bunds
As stated the initial section of the proposed trace is located within Nilwala flood protection scheme.
Nilwalafloodprotectionschemewhichwascommissionedin1979resultedinconstructionofdykesand
earthdamstominimizeflooddamagesandlosses.Amongstmanysmallbunds,Thudawa,Magalagoda,
Naimbada and Thalgahagoda stand out (please refer annexure 3.1). And proposed trace crosses
Naimbada flood protection bund at chainage 6+600. The function of these bunds was to prevent
excessivefloodwaterofNilwalariverfromspillingoverandinundatingthelowlyingareas.Thesebunds
brought immediate relief for the vulnerable communities creating safe areas which were originally
susceptibletofloods.Localfloodwateraccumulatingfromtheselowlyingsubcatchmentsarepumped
out of the bund to the Nilwala river via pump stations constructed in the three locations above.
Thudawa pumping station (PSt) has eight (8) pumps with each pump capable of discharging 4m3/sec.
MagalagodaPStisequippedwith18suchpumpsandThalgahagodaPStiswithtwo(2).However,lapses
in periodical maintenance had the system faulty, keeping the inundation for weeks. These pumps are
operated34timesayearwhenthewaterlevelofNilwalariverrisesthanthatofrelevanttributaries.
Thepumpsarealsooperatedonbehalfoftherequestbyfarmorganizationstolowerthegroundwater
table especially in paddy lands located upstream which facilitates sowing and harvesting. Rapid
urbanization coupledwithfloodplaneencroachmentexacerbatedthefloodriskdespitethestructural
mitigationmeasuresalreadytaken.Moreover,afewbundsrecordedcompleteovertoppingduring2003
floods,andThalgahagodafloodbundwasevencutopentoequalizetheinundationofeithersides1.
OtherthanNilwalaFloodPlane,ananicutlocatedacrosstheKiramaOya(chainage30+200)istheother
majorirrigationstructurelocatedalongthetracefromMataratoBeliattaasmentionedundersection
3.1.4.1.
ThelistofirrigationcanalscrossedbytheproposedtraceoftheexpresswayfromBeliattatoMattalais
alsopresentedintable3.2.
85

It should be noted that during the designing the expressway trace many irrigation structures such as
anicuts,wires,gateswithinthissectionwereavoided.Howevertheexpresswaytracerunsclosetothe
sluiceof Rotuwewa,aminorirrigationreservoirwhichislocatedatchainage 54+700.Abridgewillbe
constructed for the expressway at the particular location to avoid any damage to the irrigation
structure.
There are no any flood protection bunds or flood protection schemes located within the ROW to be
acquiredfortheexpresswayfromBeliattatoMattala.
3.1.4.4.
Flood peak values, inundation levels and retention areas an inundation
periods
SeverefloodincidenceshavebeenrecordedwithinNilwalafloodplanealongthetrace(chainage0+000
to 13+000). Flood incidences have also been recorded around chainage 59+800 where the proposed
tracecrossWalaweriver.
Duringthepublicconsultationprocesscarriedoutofthestudy,itwasrevealedthattheNilwalaflood
plane experienced floods during every May June and November December annually before the
Nilwalafloodprotectionschemewasconstructed,andoneofsuchseverefloodswasexperiencedyear
1969. Even after construction of Nilwala flood protection scheme a severe flood situation occurred in
year2003withasignificantdamagetolocalpopulation.Inyear2003,thefloodstoodforabout3to5
dayswithaheightof2to3m.
Minor flood conditions are experienced at the particular location in the case of Walawe river during
NorthEastMonsoons.TheconditioncouldgetsevereifUdaWalawereservoirlocatedinupstreamgets
spilled off. This generally occurs with rainfalls with extreme events. Such disastrous situations have
occurredaroundWalaweriverinyear1969and2013.Duringparticularoccasions,waterinundationup
toheightof34mcouldbeobservedattherightbankoftheexpresswaycrossing.
As per the hydrological feasibility study for extension of southern expressway from Godagama to
AndarawewacarriedoutbyLHI,theHighFloodLevel(HFL)valuesofthesurroundingareasofrelevant
riverbasinsarepresentedintable3.3below.Figures3.10,3.11,3.12,3.13and3.14presentinundation
areaswithrespective50and100floodsituationsofriverbasinscrossedduringtheexpresswaysection
fromGodagamatoAndarawewaconsideringwithoutprojectscenario.
Table3.3HFLvaluesfor100yearreturnperiods
RiverName
Chainage
HFL(mMSL)
App. Flood depth (m from the
(m)
groundsurface)
NilwalaRiver
26,442
4.6
3.6
SinimodaraOya
3,493
42.7
0.4
KiramaOya
4,464
14.5
4.7
UrubokkaOya
8,501
22.5
2.5
WalaweRiver
4,377
26.1
1.5

86

Fin
nalTrace

10Inundation
nareaofNilw
walaRiveraro
oundthepropposedtracew
withrespecttto50and100
0year
Figure3.1
returnperiods

Figure3.1
11Inundation
nareaofSiniimodaraOya aroundthe proposedtraacewithresp
pectto50and100
yearreturrnperiods

87


12Inundation
nareaofKiraamaOyaarou
undtheprop osedtracew
withrespectto50and100
0year
Figure3.1
returnperiods

Figure3.1
13FloodinundationareasofUrubokkaOyawithres pectto50an
nd100yearreeturnperiodss

88


Figure3.1
14FloodinundationareasofWalaweRiverwithresppectto50and100yearreeturnperiods
(Source:H
HydrologicalFFeasibilityStu
udy,LHI,July2013)
HydrologiicalfeasibilityystudyreporttcompiledbyyLHIforGoddagamatoAn
ndarawewaseectionofSou
uthern
ExpresswaayExtensionProjectisattachedasannex3.2ofthissreport.
ution
3.1.5. Waterr quality and sources off water pollu
waterqualityw
wasmeasuredat12locationsoftheprrojectareaon
n10thJuly201
13,toestablisshthe
Surfacew
baselined
data.Summaryofthesam
mplinglocatio
onsandresulltsofthebasselinewaterq
qualitymonittoring
aregiven intables3.4 and3.5resp
pectively.Surffacewaterquualitymonito
oringlocation
nsarepresenttedin
thelocationmapgiven
ninannex3.3
3.
Table3.4Parametersaandlocationsforsurfacew
waterquality monitoring
Location
n
Loccalcoordinates
Paramete rs
Swq1
558.809N 8031.174EE Temperatuure(0C),pH, DO(mg/l),
Swq2
558.264N 8033.005EE BOD5(mg//l),TSS(mg/l),Electrical
Swq3
60.440N
6
8036.411EE Conductivvity(mS/cm), Turbidity
(%),
TC
Salinity
Swq4
61.686N
6
8039.635EE (NTU),
Swq5
62.231N
6
8042.280EE Count/1000ml
Swq6

64.234N
6

8044.534EE

Swq7

610.256N

8051.494EE

Swq8

612.181N

8053.706EE

Swq9

613.384N

8055.584EE

Swq10

615.139N

8056.821EE

Swq11

616.225N

810.724EE
89

Location
Swq12

Localcoordinates
616.597'N 813.339'E

Parameters

Locations

Standard
Criteria

Table3.5Resultsofthebaselinesurfacewaterqualitymonitoring
pH
Turbidity
Parameters
Tem(0C) EC
(mS/cm)
NTU

ClassI
Bathing,
Drinking
ClassIIFish
&aquatic
life
Swq1
Swq2
Swq3
Swq4
Swq5
Swq6
Swq7
Swq8
Swq9
Swq10
Swq11
Swq12

Natural

6.09.0

BOD5
Coliform DO
(mg/l) (mg/l)
Total
(MPN/
100mg)

1000
4
4

Natural

6.08.5

20000

25.2
25.3
25.6
26.4
27.0
27.4
27.6
27.9
28.4
28.6
27.3
27.4

0.230
0.061
0.106
0.077
0.177
0.198
0.171
0.175
0.152
0.172
0.310
0.291

7.7
7.3
7.5
7.4
7.8
7.7
8.0
7.9
7.0
6.3
6.6
6.7

5.8
23
28.5
12
54
10.3
17.5
8.3
19.7
52.2
12.5
10.5

0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

3300
2100
4700
1900
5700
1400
1400
2300
3100
1100
300
80

7.5
8.1
7.6
8.0
8.0
6.9
8.1
8.3
7.4
7.6
7.9
8.1

Salinity
%

Standard criteria: Source Proposed ambient water quality standards for Inland water Sri Lanka by CEA in year
2001

It could be observed that the BOD5 levels measured are less than 2.0 mg/l except at Swq 6 and 10
locationswhicharelocatedonadrainagecanal(surroundedbyapaddytracknearBeliatta)andWalawe
river.However,alllocationsrecordedBOD5valuesbelowthestandardcriteria.
ThetotalcoliformcountexceptlocationsSwq11and12areabovethestandardcriteria(class1),this
couldbeattributedtothefactthatcattleandotheranimalsalsoarewashedinthesewaterbodies.Land
clearingactivitieswhichgeneratesedimentsandagriculturalactivitieswhichusesagrochemicalscould
beidentifiedastheothermajorsourcesofsurfacewaterpollution.

90

<1.0
1.4
1.0
<1.0
2.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
<1.0
2.6
2.0
2.0

15Emptyagro
ochemicalco
ontainerdispo
osednearam
mainirrigation
nwatercanal
Figure3.1

3.1.6. Ambie
ent air quality and noisse levels
Atpresen
ntatmosphereoftheprojectareaisno
otmuchpolluuted.Howeveerambientairqualityclosserto
townareaassuchasBe
eliatta,Angun
nakolapellessacouldbeattadepleted conditiondu
uetotheveh
hicular
exhausts emissions.Domesticsourrcesofairpollutionintheeprojectareaaincludeemissionsfrom wood
wnareas.Atm
mospherearo
oundAndaraw
wewa
andkerosseneburning stovesinsetttlements,villagesandtow
atpresentappearstobeofgoodquality,butthismaychanggewithmore trafficmovin
ngaroundtheearea
infuture.
Many of the locationss through wh
hich the prop
posed trace ttravels are caalm and havee less noise. Noise
levelsincrreaseatlocattionswheretthetracecro
ossesexisting roads.Noiseegeneratedb
bymovingveehicles
alongsuchroadsisthe
emajorcontributoryfactorforhighnoiiselevels.
Ambientaairqualityandnoiselevelmeasuringlo
ocationsforbaaselineareliistedbelow.

ofthelocationsofairqualityandnoise levelmonito
oring
Table3.6Descriptiono
n
Description
Localco
oordinates
Location
AQ1/N1
At the premise
es of Mr. S. K. Alahakooon,
055058.608N
uwa,Godagam
ma,Matara
Pollkatiya,Landu

0
AQ2/N2
At the premises of Mrs. K. L. Somawatthi,
055 59.452N
Rugggahaketiya,Diyagaha,Maatara
AQ3/N3
3
At the premises of Purrana Viharayya,
066000.568N
Kakkulangoda
AQ4/N4
4
At the pre
emises of Mr. Kappila
066001.448N
Walakanda,Puhulwella
Liyaanarachchi,W
066003.354N
AQ5/N5
5
At the roadside
e, close to th
he premises of
Wickramarathnaa store, Haakmana Roaad,
Galwewa,Beliattta

080031.7
713E
080034.7
764E
080036.4
424E
080039.1
101E
080043.6
605E

91

Location
AQ6/N6

AQ7/N7

AQ8/N8

AQ9/N9
AQ10/N10

Description
Localcoordinates
At the road side, close to the premises of
06007.758'N
Mr. K. A. Chamith, No99/171, Kasagala,

Hakuruwela
Attheroadside,closetopremisesofMr.K.
06011.212'N
Wijesinghe,
Koragahawela
junction,
Angunakolapallessa
At the roadside, close to the premises of
06013.999'N
Mr. N. G. Gayan, Welangahawewa,
Barawakubuka
atthepremisesofRegionalForestryoffice,
06016.217'N
Madunagala
At the premises of Mr. Gamini Premasiri,
06016.575'N
No.40,Diullawaroad,Andarawewa

080049.157'E

080052.624'E

080055.885'E

081000.719'E
081002.520'E

Table3.7Concentrationofeachairqualityparameteratsamplinglocation
Concentration
Location

Time
average

SO2
(g/
m3)

NO2
(g/
m3)

150

10

12.07.2013

8hrs

13

16.07.2013

24hrs

12.07.2013

8hrs

16.07.2013

12.07.2013
11.07.2013
16.07.2013

12.07.2013
11.07.2013
16.07.2013

Sampling
Date

Dateof
Analysis

SPM
(g/
m3)

PM10
(g/
m3)

300*

610

50

30

560

24hrs

14

08

8hrs

550

24hrs

82

49

8hrs

550

24hrs

56

33

12.07.2013

8hrs

550

16.07.2013

24hrs

34

20

12.07.2013

8hrs

15

19

560

NationalAmbientAirQuality
Standards(8hour)(SPMfor24
AQ1

AQ2

AQ3

AQ4

11.07.2013

11.07.2013

CO
CO2
(ppm) (ppm)

AQ5

11.07.2013

AQ6

10.07.2013

16.07.2013

24hrs

18

11

AQ7

10.07.2013 12.07.2013

8hrs

21

30

550

92

Concentration
Location

AQ8

AQ9

AQ10

Dateof
Analysis

Time
average

SO2
(g/
m3)

NO2
(g/
m3)

16.07.2013

24hrs

12.07.2013
10.07.2013
16.07.2013

12.07.2013
10.07.2013
16.07.2013

8hrs

16

24hrs

8hrs

Sampling
Date

10.07.2013

SPM
(g/
m3)

PM10
(g/
m3)

73

43

550

43

26

16

550

24hrs

28

17

12.07.2013

8hrs

550

16.07.2013

24hrs

49

30

CO
CO2
(ppm) (ppm)

Itisobservedthatthemeasuredairqualitylevelsarebelowthenationalambientairqualitystandards
forCO,NO2andSPM.

Noiselevelsmeasuredalongselectedlocationsalongthetraceispresentedintable3.8below.

Table3.8NoiseLevelsateachmonitoringlocation
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Measuring
Location
Date
Leq L50 L10 Leq L50 L10 Leq L50 L10 Leq L50 L10
N1

11.07.2013

48

47

50

53

51

56

54

51

57

51

50

53

N2

11.07.2013

64

47

62

64

46

63

56

51

53

51

50

52

N3

11.07.2013

57

55

59

58

55

60

55

54

58

47

45

50

N4

11.07.2013

56

46

55

61

48

57

58

47

55

49

42

50

N5

11.07.2013

69

57

74

69

58

72

68

57

71

53

52

55

N6

10.07.2013

60

58

66

64

59

66

62

59

61

55

39

50

N7

10.07.2013

56

48

58

55

47

57

58

55

64

54

50

58

N8

10.07.2013

67

65

70

68

64

72

67

56

71

52

46

52

N9

10.07.2013

53

47

53

54

47

56

48

44

51

46

43

48

N10

10.07.2013

55

49

60

57

53

67

56

51

66

51

47

53

93

According to above data the noise levels recorded at location N8 is comparatively higher to other
locations(especiallyduringdaytime).ItisbecausethislocationisclosetoPelmadullaEmbilipitiya
Nonagama (A018) highway. As stated above vehicular movement is one of the major contributory
factorsfornoiseintheprojectarea.
Thelocationmapofairqualityandnoisemonitoringlocationsispresentedinannex3.4.
3.1.7. Records on past natural disasters
FloodsituationthatariseintheNilwalariverbasinisthemajornaturaldisasterobservedintheproject
areabetweenMataraandBeliatta.Theimpactofsuchfloodshasbeenreducedtosomeextentwiththe
operationofNilwalafloodscheme.However,intherecentpastfloodsituationswererecordedinyear
2003,2008and2010withbreachingoffloodbunds.Ithasbeenrecordedthatduringthe2003floods
around1600housesweredamaged,andinyear2008around400houseshadbeendamaged.
Flood situation in Walawe river is the major natural disaster that occurs within Beliatta and Mattala
sectionofexpressway.However,thissituationismostlyregulatedbyUdawalawareservoir.
Floodsinthedownstreamareaofthereservoironlyoccursattimeswhenthereservoirfillsbeyondits
Full Supply Level (FSL) and spills due to heavy rains in the upper catchments of Walawe river. In the
recent past such floods have occurred in years 2010 and 2013. Other than floods the general area of
Hambantotaexperienceshighwindsituationsespeciallyduringthethirdquarteroftheyear.

3.2.Biological environment
3.2.1. Proximity to any sensitive reserves
Proposed project does not traverse through any national parks, sanctuaries or declared wetlands.
However it traverses through the least impact area of the Dandeniya FR which is managed by Forest
Department. Between chainage 71+800 and 78+000 the proposed project trace traverses through the
AndarawewaMERmanagedbytheDWLCofSriLanka.
Furthermore,theprojectareatraversesneartoBedigantotaforestreservenearchainage62+000and
Madunagalasanctuaryatchainage66+300.TheclosestdistancefromproposedtraceandBedigantota
FRisabout1.2kmandtoMadunagalasanctuaryisabout1.5km.Thereforetheproposedtracedoesnot
invade into the either areas. A location map of these sensitive reserves and location of the proposed
tracebasedonGoogleearthmapsispresentedasannex3.5.
3.2.2. Current use of land and resources within study area
Both manmade habitats i.e., home gardens, paddy fields, plantations of banana, rubber, coconut &
cinnamon, and natural or semi natural habitats i.e. marshland, rivers, streams, scrubland and forest
could be observed within the study area. Many natural habitats within the project area have been
subjectedtotheimpactofhumanactivitiesofvaryingextents;neverthelesstheyretainsomedegreeof
naturalness.Eachtypeofhabitathasitsowncharacteristicfloraandassociatedfauna.Theapproximate
percentagecoverofeachhabitatwithinthestudycorridorispresentedintable3.9below.

94

Table3.9Relativepercentagesofeachtypeofhabitatsfoundwithinthestudyarea
Typeofhabitat
Percentagecover(approximate)
From0kmto30km(Beliatta)
Homesteadgardens
42.2
Paddyfieldsandmarshlands
41.7
Rubberestates
2.6
Coconutestates
3.6
Cinnamon/othercultivations
2.1
Forest
5.7
Riverinehabitats
2.1
From30kmto80.5km(Mattala)
Homestead gardens
Paddy fields and marshy lands
Banana cultivations
Coconut plantations and other
plantations
Forest
Revering habitats, tanks

29
51
5.5
13.7
0.5
0.3

Scrublandsandforests
DandeniyaAparekkaforestreserve
Asectionofabout1.1kmoftheproposedexpresswaycorridorpassesthroughDandeniyaforestwhich
isareservedforestgazettedin1938.12.02undergazettenumber8417.Outofthislengthabout0.8km
isthroughforestareaandanother0.3kmthroughanareamodifiedbyhumanactivitywithintheforest
boundary.
Atchainage15+500theproposedtraceenterDandeniyaFRandpassesthroughtheFRforabout100m
andthenpassesclosetotheboundaryoftheFRuptochainage16+100.ThetraceagainenterstheFRat
chainage16+100closetoasteepslopeareawithavalleythroughwhichatributaryofThambagalaella
flows (around chainage 15+975) and again passes through the FR up to chainage 16+800. Between
chainage16+800and16+900thetraceislocatedoutsidetheFRboundaryandbutagainpassesthrough
the FR from chainage 16+900 to 17+200 which is an area modified by human activity consisting with
homegardensmainlywithCinnamoncultivations(pleasereferfigure3.1).
Dandeniyaforestreserveshowsthecharacteristicsoftropicallowlandrainforest,especiallywithinthe
section from chainage 16+100 to 16+800. Tropical lowland rainforests are found below 900 m in
elevation in the southwestern quarter of the country and represents undisturbed climax vegetation.
Matara district comprises of 15,717.6 ha out of the total lowland rainforest area which amounts to
124,340.8 ha. Dandeniya forest is located within Matara district and as per the records of Forest
departmentaccountstoabout590haoflandarea.
Plenty of the endemic Ceylon tree nymph (Idea iasonia) butterfly could be sighted within the section
from chainage 16+100 to 16+800. Studies carried out in lowland rainforests have shown that 75% to
95

92%offloraland74%ofanimalspeciesintheseforestsareendemic,indicatingahighbiodiversityspot
oftheisland(TheNationalAtlasofSriLankaSecondedition,2007).
However,DandeniyaforestisnotanisolatedforestinthisregionasKirindaMahayaya,Masmullakelle,
Kekunaduraforestreserveswhicharealsoconsideredaslowlandrainforestsarelocatednearvicinityof
thisforestreserve.
Dipterocarpus (hora) community including Dipterocarpus zeylanicus (hora), Dipterocarpus hispidus (bu
hora),Vitexaltissima(milla),andSemecarpusgardneri(badulla)areprominentlyobservedintheproject
corridor passing through Dandeniya forest reserve. Coscinium fenestratum (weni wel) and Entada
pusaetha (pus wel) are liana type species which are characteristic to this type of forest, and these
speciescouldbeobservedintheprojectarea.Belowtablepresentsthecommontypeoffloralspecies
observedthroughthestudycorridorandthedensity.
Table3.9(a)FloralcompositioninDandeniyaforestreserve
Family
ObservedFloralSpecies
Percentageof
family
Anarcardiaceae
Lanneacoromandelia
Semecarpussubpeltata
Arecaceae

Caryotaurens
Euphorbiaceae
Aleuritesmoluccana
Brideliaretusa
Dipterocarpaceae
Dipterocarpuszeylannicus

Doonazeylanica
Veteriaacuminata
Stemnoporusflcuruena
Dilleniaceae
Delleniaretusa
Fabaceae

Entadapusaetha

Moraceae

Artocarpusheterophyllus
Artocarpusnobilis
Minispermaceae
Cosciniumfenestratum
Myrtaceae
Syzygiumspp
Myristicaceae
Myristicairyaghedhi
Trichopodaceae
Triohoposzeylanicus
Thymelaeaceae
Gyrinopswalla

11%
6%
11%
23%

5%
6%
12%
6%
5%
5%
5%
5%

96


16Presentlan
nduseofprop
posedexpressswaytracecllosetochainaage15+900
Figure3.1

Figure3.1
17TheForestboundarymaarkersoftheDandeniyaF Raroundchaainage15+950
0

97


18ThetraceaapproachingttheFR(nearcchainage16+ 100)
Figure3.1

19SectionwitthinDandeniyyaFRthrough
hwhichtheeexpresswayw
willpassthrou
ugh
Figure3.1
Ataround
dchainage16
6+250theexp
presswaypasssesoverast ripoflandarreawhichcou
uldbedefinedasa
boggyvalleywithvege
etationmainlyyconsistofse
everalgrassess.

98


20Thepatcho
ofboggyland
dwithinDand
deniyaFR
Figure3.2

Figure3.2
21EndemicCe
eylontreenyymph(Ideaiassonia)butterrflyobservedatchainage1
16+200
As per th
he informatio
on available in the National Conservaation Review
w report of FForest Departtment
(1997), DandeniyaAp
D
parekka foresst reserve ho
ouses substanntial amountt of endemicc floral and ffaunal
speciesin
ncludingnatio
onallyandglo
oballythreate
enedspeciesi.e.,51endeemicfloralsp
pecies,8natio
onally
and 29 globally
g
threaatened specie
es, 7 endemic faunal speecies and 2 nationally th
hreatened sp
pecies.
Tables 3.1
10 and 3.11 below present the summ
mary of florall and faunal diversity of the forest reeserve
identifiedduringtheabovestudy.

99

Table3.10SummaryofwoodyplantdiversitywithintheDandeniyaAparekkaforestreserve

Families Genera Species Rare

Endemic Threatenedspecies
species species
NationalGlobal
Woody
41
82
95
0
51
8
29
plants
(Source:DepartmentofForestSriLanka,1997)

Table3.11(a)SummaryoffaunaldiversitywithintheDandeniyaAparekkaforestreserve
Highertaxa
Families
Genera
Species
Rare
Endemic Nationally
species species
Threatened
species
Birds
10
12
12
0
0
0
Amphibians
0
0
0
0
0
0
Butterflies
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mollusks
3
4
5
0
5
0
Mammals
2
2
2
0
0
0
Reptiles
2
3
3
0
2
2
Total
17
21
22
0
7
2
(Source:DepartmentofForestSriLanka,1997)

A separate study carried out by the Wildlife Conservation Society Galle in year 2009 has identified
morefaunaldiversitywithinDandeniyaAparekkaforestreserve.Thespeciesdiversityobservedduring
thisstudyispresentedintable3.11(b).
Table3.11(b)SummaryoffaunaldiversitywithintheDandeniyaAparekkaforestreserve
Highertaxa
Species
Endemic Nationally
species
Threatened
species
Birds
52
3
0
Amphibians
6
4
1
Butterflies
52
0
1
Mollusks
6
3
1
Mammals
19
4
5
Reptiles
29

Total
164
14
8

A separate study was carried out throughout the project corridor (including the section through
DandeniyaAparekka forest reserve) by the ecologist of the present study team and the observations
arepresentedundersection3.2.3Anassessmentofthepresentecologicalstatusandannex3.6List
offloraandfaunaobservedintheprojectareainthisreport.
However, it is suggested to carry out a transect survey through the final acquisition corridor within
DandeniyaAparekkaforestreservein ordertoidentifyspeciescomposition,species densityandtheir
abundance. Such study will also help in assessing the availability of threatened, endangered and
endemicspeciesincludinganypointendemicspeciesifany.

100

ScrubforesttowardstheMattalaarea
TheforestlandsobservedtowardsMattalasectionoftheprojectareaaredrymonsoontypeandmainly
consist of the following common tree species; Wira (Drypetes sepiaria), Palu (Manilkara hexandra,
Burutha (Chlroxylon swietentia), Koon (Scheichera oleosa), Gal kuma (Lepisanthes senegalensis). The
scrublands consist with the common plant species Kohomba (Azadirachta indica), Katupila (Fleggea
leucopyrus), Andara (Dichrostachys cinera), Maila (Bauhinia racemosa), Kuratiya (Phyllanthus
polyphylus), Heen eraminiya (Ziziphus oenoplia), Heen karaba (Carissa spinarum) and Kukurumana
(Catunareganspinosa).
ScrubforestswithscatteredtreescouldalsobeobservednearMadunagala,AndarawewaandMattala
area. Predominantly Palu (Manilkara hexandra), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Burutha (Chlroxylon
swietentia), Divul (Limonia acidissima), Maila (Bauhinia racemosa) and low scrubs such as Wara
(Calatropis gigantea), Gandapana (Lantana camara), Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata), Heen
eraminiya(Ziziphusoenoplia),Heenkaraba(Carissaspinarum)andRanawanara(Cassaiauriculata)are
thepredominantspeciesfoundintheselands.
This nature of forest and scrub land is an important and suitable habitat for the endangered Asian
elephants(Elephasmaximus).TheproposedprojecttraversesthroughtheMERfromchainage71+800
to78+000.Itisestimatedthatabout300to400elephantsinhabitthegreaterHambantotaarea.Thisis
about10%ofSriLankastotalelephantpopulation(Fernandoetal,2010).
Grasslands
Thelandclosetochainage73+000atAndarawewaisproposedforgrasscultivationandcattlerearing.A
high yielding fodder grass variety known as Co3 which is an improved variety of the Napier grass is
plannedtobecultivatedinthegrasslandarea.AtpresenttherearefewgrasslandsandalsoChenalands
whichcouldbeobservedespeciallywithinAndarawewaandMattalasectionoftheexpressway.
Elephants roam this area since the area provides forage and water. An electric fence to prevent
movementofelephantintosettlementareascouldbeseenclosetochainage71+000.
Aquatichabitats
ThefloodplaneanddrainagepathofNilwalariverwhichfallswithinchainage0+000to13+000ofthe
proposedprojectareaisthemajorwaterbodywhichrunsthroughtheprojectinfluencingareawiththe
sectionofMataratoBeliattasectionoftheexpresswayextension.Waterisusedfordomesticpurposes
suchasbathingandwashing.Further,theriverprovideswatertoirrigatepaddyandothercultivations.
Nilwala river is famous for its Crocodile population. The river provides habitats for several species of
faunasuchasfreshwaterfish,reptiles,aquaticandassociatedbirdsandamphibians.
Picturesque Thambagala Ella (a stream) is another water body located within the project influencing
areaatchainage15+400(figure3.22).Thestreamisusedbythepeopleintheprojectareaasanatural
bathingplaceaswellastoirrigatethepaddyfieldsandothercultivations.Severalspeciesoffreshwater
fisheswerefoundinthestream.
101


22 Proposed expressway trace passess close to thhe Thambagaala ella (wateerfall) at chaainage
Figure 3.2
15+400
Walawerriverfallswithinchainage 59+800ofth
heproposed projectcorridorisalsoa majorwaterrbody
which runs through the
t
project influencing
i
area.
a
Water of the Walaawe river is diverted at many
nsystemlocattedin
locations forirrigationpurposes.Liyangastotairrrigationsysteemisthemaajorirrigation
theprojecctarea.Them
mainweirofttheschemeisslocatedaboout800mawaayfromthecclosestpointo
ofthe
expressway. Other thaan this there are four hyd
droelectric poower plants iin the Walaw
we basin. Thee river
erfordomesticpurposesin
ntheproject area.
alsoproviidesthewate
InadditionKiramaoyaa(Chainage3
30+500),Urub
bokkaoya(chhainage43+0000)andKach
higalAra(chaainage
51+000)aarethemainsstreamsthatcrossthepro
oposedprojecctarea.
Thereare
eseveralseassonalinlandw
waterbodies neartheproojecttrace.Laargeopenwaaterbodieslo
ocated
inthepro
ojectareaareidealhabitattsforaquaticbirdsincludinngmigratoryspeciesando
otherspeciess.Also
several in
ndigenous aquatic floral species bearin
ng beautiful fflowers such as Olu (Nym
mphea pubescens),
Nelum(N
Nelumbonuciffera)addscen
nicbeautytothesewater bodies.
RotaWew
wanearchain
nage55+000 isonesuchiinlandminor reservoirloccatedcloseto
otheproject area.
Pyton(Pyythonmoluruss)alargerepttileandtheM
Marshcrocod ile(Crocodyluuspalustis)anearlythreattened
species in
nhabit this arrea. Alligator weed (Alterrnanthera phiiloxeroides), Gandapana ((Lantana cam
mara),
Siamweed(Chromolaeenaodorata)arethemain
ninvasiveplanntsthatinvad
deintothetaankarea.
Andarawe
ewaisanothe
erminorrese
ervoirobservedneartothheproposed projecttraceeclosetochaainage
71+900.TThisreservoirrisasourceo
ofwaterfor elephantsin theMERand
dalsoother domesticand
dwild
animals.

102

Marshylands
First13kmoftheroadtracetraversesmostlyonlowlyingareaincludingmarshylandsassociatedwith
theNilwalariver.
The marshlands adjoining the river provide food, breeding and roosting grounds for animals specially
birds.Severalpatchesofmarshylandsadjoiningtheriverassociatedwithtruemangrovespeciessuchas
Kirala (Sonneratia caseolaris), Mal kadol (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza & Bruguiera sexangula and Gin pol
(Nypa fruticons) and mangrove associated species such as Karan koku (Acrostichum aureum), Gon
Kaduru (Cerbera manghas), Beli patta (Hibiscus tiliaceus). Furthermore several species of sedges
including Cyperus haspan, Fimbristylis miliaceae, Schoenplectus grosus and Pandanus odoratissima
(Watakeiya) are abundant in the marshes. These marshes are rich in floral diversity. They provide
habitatsandactasfeeding,breedingandrestingareasforterrestrial,avianandaquaticfauna.
Furthermoreitwasobservedthatthevegetationhasbeendominatedbyinvasiveplantspecieswhich
havebeenlistedintheListofspeciesknowntobeinvasivetoSriLanka(Bambaradeniya,2001).These
invasivespeciesincludesDiyaparadel(Pistiastratiotes),Diyagowa(Limnocharisflava),Gahala(Colocasia
esculanta), Gandapana (Lantana camara), Guinea grass (Panicum maximum), Habarala (Alocasia
macrorhiza),Hambupan(Typaangustifolia),Japanjabara(Eichhorniacrassipes),Phragmiteskarka,Siam
weed(Chromolaenaodorata)andWelanoda(Annonaglabra).
Paddyfields
Both cultivable paddy lands and abandoned paddy lands mainly due to salt intrusion with
commencement of Nilwala Flood Protection Scheme based on the Nilwala river basin could be found
especially within the first 13 km of the proposed road trace. However several salt tolerant sedges
speciescouldbeobservedintheseabundantpaddyfields.
Paddyfieldscouldbealsobeobservedatchainage30+600,31+275,32+350,34+500,37+600,40+250,
41+600,42+250,43+900,44+600,45+900,46+700,48+200,49+350,50+850,52+500,54+670,55+500,
56+050,58+200,61+000,62+400,65+200,66+300,67+300,70+200,71+450and72+950.Thisismainly
due to the fact that the proposed trace was oriented over paddy lands and other agricultural land to
minimize the impact on resettlements. Paddy fields harbor some species of amphibians, reptiles and
mammals.Theyalsoserveasfeedingandrestinggroundsformanyspeciesofbirds.Smallcanals,which
runthroughtheselands,providehabitatsforseveralspeciesoffreshwaterfish.Duringthefallowperiod
thepaddyfieldsserveasagrazinggroundforcattle.However,agronomicpracticescarriedoutinpaddy
fieldssuchasagrochemicalscausenegativeimpactforthefaunaandflora
Rubber plantations, cinnamon plantations, coconut cultivations, banana plantations, Chena
cultivationsandothercultivations
Rubberplantationscouldbeobservedatchainage13+625,15+700and18+050oftheproposedproject
area. Coconut plantations could be observed near chainage 15+050 and 19+050. In addition to
plantations, coconut trees were commonly found in most homestead gardens. Small scale cinnamon
plantationscouldbeobservedataround18kmoftheroadtrace.Thishabitathousesseveralspeciesof
103

plantsespeciallyweedswhichappearwiththecropandalsoserveasfeedingandrestinggroundsfor
manyspeciesofanimals.
Banana cultivations could be observed at chainage 40+000 to 42+000, chainage 51+050, 53+600,
59+075,64+150,66+100and70+200.Mostofthebananacultivationsareirrigatedandwellmanaged.
Bothmonocultureandmixedcoconutplantationsarefoundwithinchainage32+250,33+100,34+250,
35+300, 36+950, 38+700 and 59+780 along the proposed trace. A Teak plantation also exists around
chainage43+000.
Sudu handun (Santalum album) cultivation could be observed in the rural village, Malberigama at
chainage35+40035+900.

Slash and burn cultivation (Chena) of subsidiary crops is practiced in the project area. Papaw (Carica
papya), passion fruit (Passiflora indica), ground nut (Arachis hypogaea) and vegetables are mainly
cultivated in these Chena lands. This habitat (cultivated land) houses several species of weeds which
appearwiththecropandalsoserveasfeedingandrestinggroundsformanyspeciesofanimals.
Homesteadgardens
Thespeciesappeartobecommoninthehomegardensinthewet,intermediateanddryzones.Theyare
ofimportanceeitherasfood,medicinal,timberorshadeplants.
3.2.3. An assessment of the present ecological status
Thissectiondescribestheendemic,rareandthreatenedspeciesoffloraandfaunaobservedduringthe
ecological assessment through the study corridor. However, many other species observed during the
study which does not fall within above categories are listed in annex 3.6. Floral and faunal species
observedwithinDandeniyaFRishighlightedwithinannex3.6.
Fauna
Dragonfliesanddamselflies
During the ecological survey an endemic and nearly threatened damselfly species Euphaea splendens
wasobservedwithinthestudycorridorespeciallywithinsectionsofpaddyfieldsandDandeniyaforest
reserve.Inaddition,anendemicandendangereddragonflyspecies,SriLankaForktail(Macrogomphus
lankanensis)hasbeenreportedinthisforestreserve(Source:ThestudyofthefaunaldiversityinMatara
districtSouthernSriLanka,finalreport,2009).SeveralspeciesofOdonates(dragonfliesanddamselflies)
werealsorecordedintheprojectarea.AsperFaunaandFloraProtection(amendment)ActNo.22of
2009eachandeverydragonflyanddamselflyspeciesisprotectedinSriLanka.
Butterflies
EndemicandrareCeylontreenymph(Ideaiasonia)butterflyandanearlythreatenedYodaThambiliya
(Vindula erota) were observed during the ecological survey within the study corridor. In addition, a
vulnerable butterfly species as per the national red list, Small Cupid (Chilades parrhasius) has been
reported in the Dandeniya forest reserve (Source: The study of the faunal diversity in Matara district
104

SouthernSriLanka,finalreport,2009).Allthebutterfly/mothspeciesareprotectedspeciesunderthe
FaunaandFloraProtection(amendment)ActNo.22of2009.
Landsnails
As reported in the study of the faunal diversity in Matara districtSouthern Sri Lanka, final report,
2009,threeendemiclandsnailspeciesAcavushaemastoma,Satiellasp.andCorillaadamsihavebeen
observedwithinDandeniyaFR.Corilla adamsi isan endangered species. Thesespecieswereobserved
duringthepresentstudy.
Land snail species such as Lissachatina fulica (Giant African snail) could be observed in paddy fields,
marshylandsandhomegardenswithintheprojectcorridorwhichisacommontypeofsnailspecies.
Fish
An endemic and endangered species Bulath hapaya (Puntius nigrofasciata) and endemic Thal kossa
(Belontiasignata)wereobservedintheThambagalaEllaandotherstreamsfoundwithintheDandeniya
forestreserve.Twootherendemicandvulnerablefishspecies,Galpaandiya(Garraceylonensis)andKola
Kanaya(Channaorientalis)alsoinhabitintheprojectarea.
Furthermore, two endemic fish species, Banded mountain loach (Schistura notostigma) and walking
catfish(Clariasbrachysoma)couldalsobeobservedintheDandeniyaforestreserve(Source:Thestudy
ofthefaunaldiversityinMataradistrictSouthernSriLanka,finalreport,2009).
Anabas testudineus (Kawaiyya) and Anguilla bicolor (Mada anda) are two of the common type of fish
species observed within paddy fields, irrigation canals, minor reservoirs and marshy lands within the
projectcorridor.
Amphibians
Four species of amphibians namely, Leaf dwelling shrub frog (Philatus folicola), anthropogenic shrub
frog (Philatus hoipplloi), Whistling shrub frog (Philatus nemus) and Common hourglass tree frog
(Polypedatescruciger)arereportedintheDandeniyaforest(Source:Thestudyofthefaunaldiversityin
MataradistrictSouthernSriLanka,finalreport,2009).SriLankanwoodfrog(Hylaranagracilis)hasbeen
identifiedintheprojectarea.
Bofomelanostictus(Commonhousetoad)isacommontypeofamphibianwhichwasobservedinhome
gardens,paddyfieldsandmarshylandsduringthestudy.
Reptiles
The endemic reptile species, Sri Lanka Kangaroo lizard (Otocrptis wiegmanni) was observed within
Dandeniyaforestreserve.KandianGecko(Hemidactylusdepressus),Commonsuppleskink(Lankascincus
fallax) are also recorded in the Dandeniya forest reserve (Source: The study of the faunal diversity in
MataradistrictSouthernSriLanka,finalreport,2009).

105

The marsh crocodile, Crocodylus palustris inhabiting in the project area (in small reservoirs) is
categorizedasnearlythreatenedspecies.Thesaltwatercrocodile(Crocodileporosus)isanendangered
species which could be found in project area. Lycodon osmanhilli, jungle gecko (Hemidactylus
depressus),Eutropistammana,brownskink,(Lankascincusfallax)arethefourendemicreptilesreported
in the project area. Star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) a nearly threatened species and Soft shelled
terrapin(Lissemyspunctata)belongingtovulnerablecategorywereobservedinthetracefromBeliatta
toMattala.
Avifauna
Endemic Sri Lanka Grey hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis), Jungle fowl (Gallus lafayetii) and proposed
endemic black crested bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus) was observed during the field study near the
southern border of Dandeniya forest reserve. In addition, Crimson fronted barbet (Megalaima
rubricapilla)andSriLankahangingparakeet(Loriculusberyllinus)aretwospeciesofendemicbirdsalso
reported in the Dandeniya forest reserve (Source: The study of the faunal diversity in Matara district
SouthernSriLanka,finalreport,2009).
Endemic Sri Lankan Grey hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis), Sri Lankan Jungle fowl (Gallus lafayetti), Sri
Lankan Spur fowl (Galloperdix bicalcarata), Sri Lankan Lorikeet (Loriculus beryllinus) were in the scrub
forest patches towards Madunagala and Mattala. Among these birds the Spur fowl is a nearly
threatened species. Vulnerable, Sirkeer Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii) could be observed in
theMadunagalasanctuary.
During the study period no migratory birds were observed within the study corridor. However, the
marshyareasassociatedwithNilwalariverfloodbasinwhichincludesKiralakelebirdsanctuary,water
bodies and scrub forest in project area provide foraging habitat and wintering grounds for migratory
birds. These species arrive in Sri Lanka towards the end of August and leave the country by following
yearduringAprilandMay.
Mammals
SevenspeciesofendemicmammalspecieswererecordedwithinthestudycorridorincludingDandeniya
FR.TheyareGiantsquirrel(Ratufamacroura),Rustyspottedcat(Prionailurusrubuginosus),Fishingcat
(Prionailurus viverrinus), Mousedeer (Moschiola meminna), Sri Lanka bicoloured spiny mouse (Mus
mayori),Purplefacedleafmonkey(Semnopithecusvetulus),SriLankatoquemonkey(Macacasinica).
Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) that are categorized as an endangered species inhabit the project
area especially from chainage 71+000 up to Mattala IC. In addition Golden palm cat (Paradoxurus
aureus),Slenderloris(Loristardigradus)andToquemonkey(Maccasinica)werereportedintheproject
area,thesemammalianspeciesarelistedasendemicspecies. TheGoldenpalmcatisanendangered
species,whiletheSlenderLorisisavulnerablespecies.

106

Other than these mammalian species; Bos indicus (cattle), Bubalus Bubalus (buffalo), Canis familiaris
(dog),Feliscatus(domesticcat),Susscorfaaffinis(SriLankanwildboar)andCanisaureus(Jackal)were
alsoobservedwithintheprojectareawhichiscommontypeofmammalianspecies.
Flora
ThreetruemangroveplantspeciesassociatedwiththeNilwalariverbankarefoundtobecategorizedas
vulnerable species i.e., Mal kadol (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza), Bruguiera sexangula and Gin pol (Nypa
fruticons).Six(6)endemictreespeciesnamely,Hal(Veteriaacuminate),Hora(Dipterocarpuszeylanicus,
Bedidel(Artocarpusnobilis),Badulla(Semecarpussubpeltata),Dun(Doonazeylanica)andStemnoporus
flcuruena were found within the project area which traverses through Devinuwara Division. The first
species listed above is a nearly threatened species according to the national red list (2012). Ruk
(Horsfieldia iryaghedhi) which is endemic and vulnerable and Walla patta (Gyrinops walla) which is a
vulnerableplantobservedintheDandeniyaforest.
Twoendemicfloralspecies,Heeneraminiya(Zizypusnapeca)andGirithilla(Argyreiapopufolia)couldbe
observedintheprojectareawithintheprojecttracetowardsMattala.
As stated above all types of faunal and floral species observed and recorded throughout the study
corridorfromMataratoMattalaarelistedinannex3.6ofthisreport.

3.3.Sociocultural environment
A project of this magnitude has a wide influential area both physically and socially. While the
settlementswithintheproposedcorridorandtheimmediatesurroundingwillfeelthedirectimpactsof
theprojecttheperipherywillalsofeeltheprojectduringdifferentstagesoftheproject.Thereforeitwas
decided to consider Grama Niladari boundaries of the settlements through which the proposed trace
traverseasappropriatetoanalyzethecurrentsocioculturalenvironmentofthepeoplewholiveinthe
project influential area. This approach could be justified as these people will be directly exposed to
adverse and beneficial impacts of the proposed project. A total of 82 GNDs within 13 DSDs were
consideredforthisanalysis.
3.3.1. Existing settlements in and around the project area
The total number of housing within each DSD and the cumulative number of housing located in all
affectedGNDswithineachDSDispresentedinbelowtable.
Table3.12Existingsettlement/housingwithintheDSDsandrespectiveGNdivisions
Administrative
Housing
%affecteddirectly
area
DSDs
Cumulativenumberof andindirectly
housingGNDs(#)
Malimbada
8,899
2,231
25.07%
Thihagoda
8,434
3,153
37.38%
Devinuwara
11,656
1,179
10.11%
KirindaPuhulwella
5,196
806
15.51%
Beliatta
14,323
3,439
24.01%
107

Administrative
area

Housing
%affecteddirectly
DSDs
Cumulativenumberof andindirectly
housingGNDs(#)
Thangalle
18,268
375
2.05%
Weeraketiya
10,926
506
4.63%
Angunakolapellessa
12,715
3,598
27.52%
Ambalantota
18,543
760
4.09%
Embilipitiya
34,992
636
1.82%
Sooriyawewa
11,474
3,524
30.71%
Hambantota
14,518
568
3.91%
Lunugamwehera
8,453
789
9.33%
Total
178,397
21,564
12.09%
Source:DepartmentofCensus&Statistics,2011
#Detailinformationisattachedintheannexsocialtable3.1inannex3.7

Whenall13 DSDsareconcernedabout12.09%ofhouseswilleitherbedirectlyorindirectlyaffected.
DSDwiseThihagodaDSisthemostaffectedwithapercentageof37.38%.
Table3.13(a)presentsthestatusoflandownershipofhouseholdsinthestudyareabetweenMatara
and Beliatta segregated in to DSDs and GNDs. Accordingly, majority of households have selfowned
lands.AmongtheDSDswithinthestudyareaDevinuwaraDSDrecordsthehighestpercentageofself
ownedlands.
Table3.13(a)LandholdingstatusofprojectaffectedDSDsandGNDsfromMataratoBeliatta
Self
DSdivision
GNdivision
Government Tenant Encroachers Total
owned
(Ac)
/lessee (Ac)
(Ac)
(Ac)
(Ac)
Malimbada(2011)
9,878.41
827.78
24(0.22%) 10,730.1
(92.06%)
(7.72%)
09

Akurugoda
364
31

395
West

Akurugoda
344
58

402
South

Sulthanagoda
337
12

02
351
East
Sulthanagoda
459
37

496
West
Galpamuna
456.5
0.28

456.78
MalimbadaSouth
219.39
03

222.39
MalimbadaEast
413

03
416
TotalofaffectedGNDs
2,592.89
141.28

05(0.18%) 2,739.17
(94.66%)
(5.16%)
108

DSdivision

GNdivision

Self
owned
(Ac)

Thihagoda(2012)

Unella

Palatuwa

Elambathalagoda

Attudawa
AttudawaWest

Watagedara
Watagedara

East
Dematahettigoda
Bandattara01

Bandattara02

Naimbala01

Kapudoowa

KapudoowaEast

UduwaWest

Galbada

UduwaEast

Devinuwara(2012)
10,707
(Consideredhousing)
(94.13%)

PalleAparekka
227
UdaAparekka
401
Kadawedduwa
214
East
Walbulugahahen
207
a
TotalofaffectedGNDs
1,049
(98.3%)
KirindaPuhulwella(2012)

Wathukolakanda

East
WalakandaWest

Walakanda

South
WalakandaEast

Beliatta(2011)
16,034
(90.82%)

Government
(Ac)

Tenant
/lessee
(Ac)

145(1.26%)

418
(3.68%)
05

01

06
(0.6%)

Encroachers
(Ac)

Total
(Ac)

105(0.93%)

11,375

12

232
401
226

208

12
(1.1%)

1,067

260(1.47%)

67
(0.38%)

1,294(7.4%)

17,655

109

DSdivision

GNdivision

Getamanna
West
Nayakawatta
Getamanna
South
Mahaheella
West
MaheellaNorth
Mahaheella
East
Kudaheela
North
Kambussawala
West
Galwewa
Waharakgoda
North
Waharakgoda
South
Kahawatta
Kosgahagoda
Agulmaduwa
BeligallaSouth

Wadiya
TotalofaffectedGNDs

Self
Government Tenant Encroachers Total
owned
(Ac)
/lessee (Ac)
(Ac)
(Ac)
(Ac)
777

02
779
350
195

35
02

07
02

23
02

415
201

207

02

209

157
40

01

157
41

140

03

143

142
850

142
850

124

124

29(0.69%)

153
190
324
272
169
4,169

153
167
324
272
169
4,067
(97.55%)

23

63
10
(1.51%) (0.25%)

Source:Resourceprofiles2011&2012ofrespectiveDSDs
Note:LandholdingstatusInformationforyear2011&2012isnotavailableforThihagodaandKirindaPuhulwella
DSDs.

Table 3.13 (b) present the status of land ownership of households within the DSDs and GNDs of the
studyareafromBeliattatoMattala.
AspertheinformationthetotallandholdingareawithintheGNDofThenagamainThangalleDSDare
selfowned.ItisalsoobservedthatthepercentageoflandencroachmentsishighinAngunakolapellessa
DSD.

110

Table3.13(b)LandholdingstatusofprojectaffectedDSDsandGNDsfromBeliattatoMattala
DSdivision
GNdivision
Self
Government Tenant Encroacher Total
owned
(Ac)
/lessee (Ac)
(Ac)
(Ac)
(Ac)

Tangalle
Athgalamulla
174
05

02
181
(2012)
Thalapitiyagama
373
09

382
ThenagamaNorth
217

217
TotalofaffectedGNDs
764
14

02
780
(97.95%)
(1.79%)
(0.26%)
Weeraketiya
Medagoda
368

368
(2011)
BedigamaSouth
753
40

10
803
BedigamaEast
270
04

274
TotalofaffectedGNDs
1,391
44

10
1,445
(96.26%)
(3.05%)
(0.69%)
Angunakolape Udayala
710

38
1,560
llessa(2011)
Medayala
71

24
217
Indigetawala
180

233
925
Netalaporuwa
570

40
632

DahaAmuna
158

08
809

Julamulla
180

597

Jandura
450

75
525

Kotawaya
133

01
251

Guruwala
43

473
608

Karagahawala
31

31

Binkama
636

636

Kalawelwala
74

74
315

MedaAra
310

730

Abesekaragama
50

15
190
TotalofaffectedGNDs
3,596
981
8,026

(44.80%)
(12.66%)
Ambalantota Siyambalakote
223
87

36 367.68
(2011)
Barawakumbura
513
148

08 1,392.9
TotalofaffectedGNDs
736 235(13.35%)

44 1,760.6

(41.8%)
(2.5%)
Embilipitiya
Julangete

(2011)
Sooriyawewa Bedigantota

(2012)
WeniwelAra

Mahapelessa

111

DSdivision

GNdivision

Viharagala
Nabadagaswewa
Andarawewa
Ketanwewa

Hambantota
(2011)

Elalla
TotalofaffectedGNDs

Lunugamweh PahalaMattala
era(2012)

Mattala

Padaugama

Self
owned
(Ac)

Government
(Ac)

Tenant Encroacher Total

/lessee (Ac)
(Ac)
(Ac)

866

420

576
996
(33.99%)

2,064
2,930

Source:Resourceprofilesforyear2011and2012ofrespectiveDSDs

Note:Informationforyear2011and2012isnotavailableforEmbilipitiya,SooriyawewaandLunugamwehera
DSDs.

3.3.2. Socioeconomic status of the populations

SocialStatus
SocialstatusofthepopulationinprojectinfluentialDSDsandGNDsarehighlightedinsummaryformin
thebelowtable.
Table3.14Summaryofsocioeconomicstatusofthepopulation
No. Socialparameters
ProjectinfluentialDSDs ProjectinfluentialGNDs#

No.
%
No.
%
01

Ethniccomposition
Sinhala
Tamil
Moor
Others
Total

673,491
1,999
14,820
587
690,897

97.48%
0.28%
2.15%
0.09%
100

02

Religiouscomposition
Buddhist
Christians/Catholic

671,521
2,811

97.19%
0.41%

89,075
31
20
03
89,129#
(SeeTable
3.2inthe
annex3.7)

88,974
127

99.94%
0.03%
0.02%

100%

99.83%
0.14%
112

No. Socialparameters

ProjectinfluentialDSDs ProjectinfluentialGNDs#

No.
%
No.
%

Islam
Hindu
Others
Total

15,132
1,124
309
690,897

2.19%
0.16%
0.05%
100%

03

Agecomposition
Lessthan15Years
1559years
60yearsandabove
Total

180,793
425,717
84,387
690,897

26.17%
61.62%
12.21%
100%

04

Levelofeducation
1.Noneducated
2.Grade15
3.Grade611
4.G.C.E(O/L)passed
5.G/C.E(A/L)passed
6.Graduated/Postgraduated
Total

28,252
75,182
118,430
70,968
36,078
6,554
335,464

8.42%
22.41%
35.30%
21.16%
10.75%
1.96%
100%

17
11
0
89,129#
(SeeTable
3.3inthe
annex3.7)

21,166
50,946
11,044
83,156#
(SeeTable
3.4inthe
annex3.7)

3,554
9,568
17,876
8,722
5,079
825
39,006#
(SeeTable
3.5inthe
annex3.7)

0.02%
0.01%
0.0%
100%

25.45%
61.27%
13.28%
100%

7.79%
20.97%
39.19%
19.12%
11.13%
1.80%
100%

Source:DepartmentofCensusandStatistics,
#ResourceprofilesofrespectiveDSDforyear2011and2012
Note:DataoneducationofThihagoda,Thangalle,Angunakolapellessa,EmbilipitiyaDSDsandMattalaPahalaGND
werenotavailable.

EthnicComposition
In the Southern province, population with a Sinhalese ethnicity is dominant with nearly 95% of the
population(Galle94.31%,Matara94.29%andHambantota97.05%,Dept.ofCensus&Statistics,2011).
SimilarsituationcouldbefoundintheprojectinfluentialDSDsandrespectiveGNDs.

113

ReligiousComposition
AsfarasthereligionisconcernedBuddhistsrecordedthehighestpercentageintheSouthernprovince
whichis94.72%(Galle93.98%,Matara94.18%andHambantota96.75%,Dept.ofCensus&Statistics,
2011).SimilarsituationcouldbefoundintheprojectinfluentialDSDsandrelatedGNDs.
AgeComposition
As in the case of project influenced DSDs and GNDs, the ratio between dependent population
(population which is less than 15 years age category and above the 60 years age category) and
economicallyactivepopulation(agegroupof1559years)islow.Thisisapositivesignineconomicand
socialtermsasthenumberofdependentpersonsthatoneeconomicallyactivepersonintheregionhas
to take care is less, so that he/ she could get involved in more economic activities and increased
opportunitiesofsavings.
LevelofEducation
AsperthestatisticalinformationtheIlliteracyrateinthecountrywasbelow5%intheyear2012,while
the computer literacy rate was 38% (Source: Wikipedia). In the project impact DSDs and GNDs nearly
8.42%and7.79%ofthepopulationarerecordedasilliterate.
Economicstatusofpopulation
Economic parameters such as average household size, average land extent of housing, dependency
ratio, unemployment, type of employment, physical infrastructure attached to houses etc. of the
influentialDSDsandGNDsispresentedintablebelow.
Table3.15EconomicparametersVs.populationinprojectinfluentialDSDsandGNDsfromMatarato
Mattala
No.
Economicparameters
ProjectinfluentialDSDs(A)
ProjectinfluentialGNDs(B)
No.
%
No.
%
01

Totalpopulation

690,852

02

Totalhousing

178,591

03
04

Averagehouseholdsize
Totallandextent

3.87
2,140km2
(214,000Haor530,720Ac)

05

Averagelandextentper

2.97acres

83,156(Table
3.6inannex
3.7)
21,564(Table
3.1inannex
3.7)
3.86
229.79km2
(22,979Haor
56,987.92Ac)
(Table3.7in
annex3.7)
2.58acres

12.04%

12.07%

10.74%

114

No.

Economicparameters

ProjectinfluentialDSDs(A)
No.
%

housingunit
06
Averagepopulationdensity 1.30peracre
07
Labourforce(Age1559
425,717 61.62%of
years)
total
population
08
Employedpopulation
(Datanotavailable
for
Angunakolapellessa,
Sooriyawewaand
Lunugamwehera
DSDs)
09
Unemployment

10
Rateofunemployment

fromtotallabourforce

Dependents(Agecategory
265,180
below15yearsandabove
60years)
11
Dependentsto

economicallyactivelabour
force(employedlabour
force)
12
Typeofemployment

1.Governmet/Semi
32,464
15.39%
Government

2.Private
53,678
25.47%

3.Selfemplymentand
53,346
25.29%
agriculture

4.Foreignemployment
4,930
2.34%

5.Others
66,439
31.51%

Total
210,857
100%
13
Utilitiesattachedtohouses
13(a) Availabilityofelectricity*

1. Yes
159,318
89.21%

2. No
19,273
10.79%

Total
178,591
100

Usingkeroseneforlighting
17,994
10.08%
andpercentagetototal
housing

ProjectinfluentialGNDs(B)
No.
%
1.46peracre
50,946

61.27%of
total
population

(20,478)(Table
3.8inannex
3.7)

30,468*
59.80%*
26,972

1.32

4,008

19.57%

5,556
6,036

27.13%
29.48%

583
4,295
20,478

19,256
2,308
21,564
2,214

2.85%
20.97%
100%

89.29%
10.71%
100
10.27%

115

No.

Economicparameters

ProjectinfluentialDSDs(A)
No.
%

13(b) Accesstosafedrinking
water*

1.Yes(Tap,Wellprotected,
Tubewells)

2.No(Wellunprotected,
River,Others)

Total
13(c) Availabilityofsanitary
facilities*

1. Yes

2. No

Total
14
Housingcondition
(consideredbyroof)*

1.Permanent
(Tile/asbestos/concrete)

2.Semipermanent(Zinc/GI
sheets)

3.Temporary

4.Others

Total

ProjectinfluentialGNDs(B)
No.
%

145,902

81.69%

16,329

75.72%

32,689

18.31%

5,235

24.28%

178,591

100%

21,564

100%

178,083
508
178,591

99.72%
0.28%
100%

21,493
71
21,564

99.67%
0.33%
100%

166,266

93.12%

19,877

92.18%

7,586

4.24%

868

4.03%

4,488
230
178,570

2.51%
0.13%
100%

786
33
21,564

3.64%
0.15%
100%

Source:Dept.ofCensusandStatistics,2011
*Note:DateisnotavailableforGNDsinAngunakolapellessa,SooriyawewaaswellasLunugamweheraDSDs.Dataforforeign
employmentistheonlyavailabledataforemploymentinGNDsinSooriyawewaDSD

Averagesizeofhouseholdwithinprojectinfluentialarea
Average household size is defined as the ratio between the total population in a given area and the
number of housing units available within the same area. Average household size in the country is
recordedat3.9,whiletherespectivevaluesintheDSDsandGNDswithintheprojectareaare3.87and
3.86.
Averagelandextentforhousing
Accordingtothenationalhousingregulations,aminimumlotsizeforhousinginruralareasis20perch
orabout506m2.Theprojectinfluentialareaispredominantlyruralandminimumlotsizeshouldbe20
perch.Asstatedintheabovesummarytabletheaveragelotsizeintheprojectinfluentialareaiswell
abovethesaidregulation.Itis2.97acresinprojectinfluentialDSDsand2.58acresinprojectinfluential
GNDs.

116

When consider the average extent of mixed crop land per farm in highland area is 0.42 hectares2 (or
1.15acres).Theaveragehomegardeninglandintheareaisalsowellabovethatstandard.
Dependency
Dependency ratio in GNDs within the project influential area is 1.32. This means on average an
economicallyactivepersonhastolookafteronly1.32persons.
Unemployment
Asperthecentralbankannualreporttheunemploymentrateofthecountryhasdeclinedtoitslowest
everrateof4percentinyear2012from4.2percentinyear2011.Broadbasedandsustainedeconomic
growthincludingseveralinfrastructuredevelopmentprojectswhichwerelaunchedbythegovernment
isakeyfactorforthereductionofunemploymentrate.
AsimilarsituationcouldbeobservedwithintheprojectaffectedDSDs.Mostoftheeconomicallyactive
population within these DSDs is involved mainly in agriculture based employment (both full time and
parttime).Typeofemploymentisdiscussedinthebelowsectionofthisreport.
Typeofemployment
Selfemploymentandagriculturebasedemploymentarethepredominanteconomicactivitiesprevalent
intheprojectarea.Considerableamountofprivatesectorjobsarealsoavailableespeciallywithinthe
coastal belt which is related to employment based on tourism. Government and semigovernment
employment could also be observed in the area. Employment in security forces is one of the major
governmentbasedemploymenttypefoundintheprojectinfluentialarea.
Foreign employment recorded in the DSDs is verymuch marginal and it is only 2.85%. A considerable
percentage (20.97%) of the economically active population within the project area is involved in
employmentsuchasfishing(inlandandoffshore)andanimalhusbandry.
Duringthesurveyitwasobservedthatthemonthlyincomeofpersonswhoareinvolvedinagriculture
wasmostlyintherangeofSLR7,500and15,000.Personsinvolvedingovernmentsectoremployment
obtained a monthly income of around SLR 15,000 to 30,000. Private sector employment also yielded
aroundSLR7,500to15,000.
Physicalinfrastructure(electricity,water,sanitaryfacilitiesetc.)attachedtohouses
Physicalinfrastructureattachedtohousesshowseconomicandsocialstandardsofthehouseholds.
OutofthehousingunitsinaffectedDSDs,nearly89.21%haveaccesstoelectricity,81.69%haveaccess
tosafedrinkingwatersystems,99.72%unitshavesanitaryfacilitiesand93.12%ofthehousingunitsare
permanent.

Source:www.uncapsa.org/publication/cglb.pdfandSource:www.slideshare.net/mahindadasa/maize
productioninsrilanka

117

It is observed that the households in affected GNDs show a similar pattern in case of availability of
infrastructurefacilities.Thissituationisalsorelatedtothelevelofeducationreachedbythehouseholds
whichemphasisontheneedsofhygieneandcleanwatersupply.
Energysourceofhousehold
Asstatedabovetheprojectareahasdevelopedininfrastructurefacilities.Itisobservedthatelectricity
is the main source of energy used for lighting in households. Nearly 88% of households in DSDs and
GNDsuseelectricityforlightingandonlyabout10%ofhouseholdsusekeroseneforthesamepurpose.
Keroseneismainlyusedbyhouseholdswithsemipermanentandtemporarystructures.
Field observations supported by the consultations held with the affected parties revealed that the
majority of the households in project influential area use firewood as their main source of energy for
cooking.Thisismainlyduetotheabundantnatureoffirewoodavailableintheprojectinfluencedarea.
Accesstosafedrinkingwater
Pipe born water, protected wells and tube wells are considered as sources of safe drinking water.
Unprotected wells and river water is considered as sources of unsafe drinking water. Nearly 82%
populationoftheprojectinfluencedDSDshaveaccesstosafedrinkingwater.WhenconsidertheGNDs
thispercentageisabout76%.
Sanitaryfacilities
During the study it was observed that the majority of the households have sanitary facilities outside
theirdwellings.Onemainreasonforthiscouldbethatthemajorityofhouseholdsdonothavewater
supplysystemattachedtotheirhouses.However,itwasalsorevealedthathavingsuchfacilitiesoutside
thehousecausesariskduringthenighttimeduetotheproblemofreptilesandwildlifeprevalentinthe
area.
HIV/AIDS
According to UNAIDS/WHO, Sri Lanka with a population of nearly 20 Million, is a low HIV prevalence
country in the South Asia Region with an estimated adults prevalence rate of less than 0.1%3. Two
decades since the detection of the first HIV infection in Sri Lanka, a cumulative total of 957 HIV
infectionsand266AIDScaseshavebeendetectedinthecountry4.
Hence, Sri Lanka remains one of the few countries in the region with a lowlevel HIV epidemic. Many
infections are associated with overseas work. HIV prevalence appears to be low, even in populations
suchassexworkers,despitetheirvulnerabilityandexposuretorisks.Itisapparentthatsomeimportant
vulnerability factors are either absent or operating at a low level in Sri Lanka. High literacy rates, the
relativelyhighstatusofwomenandgoodaccesstohealthcareservicesallacttoprotectindividualsand
communitiesagainstHIVinfection.Conditionofhighvulnerability,ontheotherhand,includeconflict,

3
4

SexuallyTransmittedDiseases(STD)clinicinSriLanka
Dr.Samarakoon,CurrentHIV/AIDSsituationinSriLankaanditsimpactontheworldofwork,2005

118

high mobility of the military, internally displace persons (IDPs), and separation of spouses due to
overseasemployment.Moreover,neweconomicdevelopmentssuchastheexpansionofinternational
freetradezones,andbroadsocialchangessuchastheincreasingmigrationofyoungadultsfromrural
areas to large urban centers might, in the future, result in further expansion of social vulnerability
factors.
SriLankaremainsoneofthefewcountriesintheSouthAsiaRegionwithalowlevelofHIVepidemic.
However,cumulativeHIV/AIDScasesarerecordedhighestintheWesternProvinceofSriLanka(56.15%)
anditisbelow7%intheSouthernprovince.
Gender
GenderComposition
AccordingtothecensussurveycarriedoutbytheDepartmentofCensusandStatisticsinyear2011the
femalepopulationofthecountryis51.5%andthemalepopulationis49.5%outofthetotalpopulation.
The same situation could be observed in the project area. Details of the population are presented in
table3.6inannex3.7.
SriLankahasgainedconsiderableprogressinhumandevelopmentsinceitsindependenceinyear1948.
Sri Lanka ranks midway on the United Nations Gender Related Development Index (80 out of 144
countries).Inyear2001,lifeexpectancyatbothforwomenwas75.5yearscomparedto69.6yearswas
formen.Highlifeexpectancyrateforwomenreflectsadequatenutritionanduniversalfreehealthcare.
Theadultliteracyrateforfemalesin15plusageswas89.3%andformaleswas94.5%.Thecombined
grossenrolmentrateforprimary,secondaryandtertiaryeducationisquitecloseforwomenandmenat
64% and 63% respectively. Sri Lankan women have relatively higher status than those in other
developingcountries5
Sri Lankas gender achievements are the dividends of extensive social welfare programs for free
education, free health care and free food rations implemented by successive Governments since, the
independencein1948.
Male female ratio in the country, Southern province, Matara Hambantota, Ratnapura districts and
projectinfluentialDSDsandGNDsishighlightedinthetablebelow.
Table 3.16 Gender compositions in the country, Southern province, Matara, Hambantota, Ratnapura
districtsandprojectinfluentialarea
Administrativedivisions
Gendercomposition
Total
Male
Female
No.
%
No.
%
1. Country
9,832,401
48.5% 10,431,322 51.5% 20,263,723
2. Southernprovince
1,190,668
48.3% 1,274,064 51.7% 2,464,732

CountryGenderAssessment,SriLanka,SouthAsiaRegionalDepartmentandRegionalandSustainable
DevelopmentDepartment,AsianDevelopmentBank,Manila,Philippines,2004

119

Administrativedivisions

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

MataraDistrict
HambantotaDistrict
RatnapuraDistrict
ProjectinfluentialDSDs
ProjectinfluentialGNDs

Gendercomposition
Total
Male
Female
No.
%
No.
%
388,604
48.0%
420,740 52.0%
809,344
293,567
49.2%
303,050 50.8%
596,617
535,020
49.4%
547,257 50.6% 1,082,227
338,076
48.9%
352,821 51.1%
690,897
40,773 49.03%
42,393 50.97%
83,166

Source:Dept.ofCensusandStatistics,2011

ChildrensRights
There are a number of Legislations and policies that are prevalent to protect childrens rights in Sri
Lanka.In1996,apresidentialtaskforceonthepreventionandcontrolofchildabusewassetup,which
made far reaching recommendations, including the establishment of a National Child Protection
Authority (NCPA). Basic goal of NCPA is elimination of child abuse in all its forms and manifestation
operating on four main areas; protection, advocacy, rehabilitation and legal reform. Very often, child
abuseentailsanelement oftrafficking.TheNCPAisthepreeminent nationalagencydrivingtheanti
trafficking mission. In March 2001, Sri Lanka ratified the ILO Convention No. 182 and developed a
NationalPlanofAction(NPA)tocombattraffickingofchildrenforsexualandlabourexploitation.
In Sri Lankan Constitution, 1978, Article 27 (13) Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental
Duties,thestatepledgestopromotewithspecialcaretheinterestofchildrenandyouthsoastoensure
theirfulldevelopment,physical,mental,moral,religious,socialandtoprotectthemfromexploitation
and discrimination. In addition, the draft Constitution (August 2000) Article 22, entitled special rights
forchildren,givesconstitutionalguaranteestotherightofachildtobeprotectedfromabuse;tohave
accesstofreeeducationbetweentheagesof5to14,andtonotbeemployedinanyhazardousactivity.
Italsodefinesconclusivelyachildasapersonundertheageof18years.
The minimum age for employment of children was raised to 14 years in December 1999 by an
amendment to the employment of women, young persons and children Act (No.47), 1956. Further,
through the Ministry of Labour, the legislation has been amended to provide for payment of
compensation to victims, by employers violating this minimum age. Under the regulations framed in
1997, under the Education Ordinance of 1940, education and attendance at schools were made
compulsoryforeverySriLankanchildagedbetween5and14years.InAugust2006,therehasbeena
changeinthelegislationwhichnowempowerstheMinistryofLabourtoenactlawsthatprohibitedthe
employmentofchildreninhazardousformsofchildlabour.Accordingly,alistofhazardousformofchild
labourisintheprocessofbeingfinalized.
Various surveys carried out by institutions on child labour indicate an increase of child labour use in
economicactivities(informally)inthecountry.Thisindicatesthegravityoflabourinthecountry.Most
of these child labour pockets are confined to certain areas of the country where poverty is acute, up

120

country tea plantation areas, slum and squatter settlements in Colombo district and some agriculture
areasindryzoneofthecountry.
In September 2007, A Youth Employment Policy & National Action Plan, supported by the ILO, was
presented for eliminating child labour by placing great emphasis on the issue of access of quality
education.
InJune11,2008SriLankamarkedtheWorldDayagainstchildlabour.Thethemewaseducationis
the right response to child labour. To support these activities in the island were designed to raise
generalawarenessontheimportanceofeducation.
Majority of the Children in project affected area live in rural agricultural land is one of a prime area
utilizingtheirlabourbyparentsatfarmlandafterschoolissignificantinthearea
In the project influential DSDs, 180,793 (26.17%) and GNDs, 17,860 (25.62%) of total population are
consideredtobechildren,andoutofthemtwothirdcouldbeassumedtobeintheschoolsgoingage
(i.e.intheagegroupof615yearsold).Thisgrouphascompulsoryrightstoattendschools.
3.3.3. Principle economic activities
The IC at chainage 0+000 of the proposed SEW extension is located about 6.5 km from Matara town
area which is urban in nature. However the settlements gradually changes from semiurban to rural
within the30kmtraceandbecomesemiurban closetoBeliattatownarea.Theprojecttracepasses
through a predominantly rural area after Beliatta suburban area up to Mattala. The project area in
generalhasamoreagriculturebasedeconomywithvasttracksofpaddylandsandothercroplandssuch
ascoconut,cinnamonandtea.
Prevailingtypesofagriculture
1.

LargescaleIrrigatedagriculture(paddy)

2.

Smallscaleirrigatedagriculture(paddy)

3.

Rainfedagriculture(paddy)

4.

Homesteads(homegardens)

Major crop grown in the project influence area is paddy. Other crops include coconut, cinnamon,
pepper, rubber and banana. Vegetables, fruits, yams and leafy vegetables are also cultivated in
commercialaswellassmallscale.
Fewtownshipslocatedintheprojectareamainlycaterthesesemiurbanandruralcommunitiesandare
mostlyatpresentinalevelofmarginalsustainability.Themajorityofpeoplelivingintheprojectarea
aresmallagriculturalproducersbelongingtotraditionalfarmingcommunitieswhohavebeenlivingin
theirownedorancestrallands.

121

MataraandHambantotadistrictshaveacoastalbelt.Offshorefishingisacommercialactivitywhichis
carriedinthecoastallineofthetwodistrictsandinlandfisheriesiscarriedoutinthereservoirslocated
inHambantotadistrict.
Livelihoodofthearea
Communities of the project area are mostly having agriculture oriented lifestyle due to geographical,
rainfall and climatic situation and land use pattern. These communities have access to small, medium
and large parcels of high land (especially beyond Beliatta) for agriculture activities. Other than
agriculture;governmentandprivateemployment,animalhusbandryalsocontributestotheincomeof
households.
Employmentsetupintheregions
Apartfromtheselfemploymentandagriculturalsector,peopleintheareaareengagedinindustrialand
service sector. These can be divided into large scale, medium scale and small scale. Private
entrepreneurshaveinvestedmainlyontourismandapparelsectorintheregion.
Animalhusbandryactivitiesintheregion
Cows,buffaloes,goatsarerearedfordairyneeds,curdproductionbysomeofthefamiliesintheproject
area.Rearingofpoultryforeggandmeatandswineformeatisalsodoneinthearea.
Othermiddletosmallscaleindustries
Pottery,sawmills,Copparaandcoconutoilmills,ricemills,goldandbrassindustry,woodcrafting,spray
painting,homeappliancesrepairingaredoneinsmallandmediumscale.
Spicemills,handloomtextilemills,lacebraiding,coconutchoirproducts,sweetsproducts,bakeryand
pastry,Handcraftingwith clayandrock,packagingofspices,productionofbrickstone,productionof
broom sticks, mats and carpets, flower pots, dressmaking, envelop and paper bag making are the
medium,smallandhouseholdscaleindustrieswhichcouldbeobservedwithintheprojectarea.
Fishery
Inlandfishinginthereservoirslocatedclosetoprojectareaisdonemainlyforhomeconsumptionand
not as an economic activity. However off shore fishing is significant in Devinuwara DSD because it is
locatedinthecoastalregion.Intheyear2012thetotalemploymentinthefishingsector(directlyand
indirectly)was3,731personsanditis28%ofthetotalpopulationoftheDSD(Source:Resourceprofile
2012,DevinuwaraDSD).
OffshorefishingisalsosignificantinHambantotaDSD,nearly1800peopleinthedistricteitherdirectly
orindirectlyisengagedinfishing.Thisis3%outofthetotalpopulationintheDSD.(Source:Resource
profile 2012, Hambantota DSD). In Tangalle DSD nearly 300 persons are engaged in fishing and it is
0.42%outofthetotalpopulationoftheDSD.InlandfishingcouldalsobeobservedinAmbalantotaand
LunugamweheraDSDs.
122

Rivertransportationsandriverwaterusage
Thoughtheareaisrichwithsomeriversandstreamsthewatertransportationisnotsignificantinthe
projectarea.Waterfromtheseriversandstreamsareusedmainlyforcultivation,bathingandwashing.
Bathing in the Nilwala river and its major tributaries is restricted due to the risk of crocodile attacks.
Duringthestudyitwasobservedthatsomehouseholdslivingclosetosuchstreamsandriversareused
totakewaterfortheirdomesticneeds.However,theyboilwaterbeforeconsumption.
3.3.4. Planned development activities
Someofthemajordevelopmentactivitiesintheprojectinfluentialdistrictsarehighlightedbelow.
MataraDistrict
1.Asumofmorethan35millionSLRwasallocatedforthedevelopmentactivitiesinMataradistrictby
districtcoordinatingcommitteethroughMinistryofEconomicDevelopment,
2.ApolicydecisionhasbeentakentodevelopthefisheriesindustryinMataradistrict,
3.Constructionofthecountrysfirsteveraccesscontrolledexpressway(E01)fromKottawatoMatara
viaGalle.ThesectionfromKottawatoGallehasbeencompletedandisinoperationalstage,
4.ExtensionoftherailwaylinefromMataratoKataragamaviaHambantota.
HambantotaDistrict
1. ExpansionofMattalaairportandHambantotaseaport,
2. DevelopmentofafullyequippedInformationTechnology(IT)park,
3. DevelopmentoffisheriessectorinHambantotadistrict,
4. DeclarationofHambantotaareatobedevelopedasamegacity,
5. Constructionofaninternationalconventioncenter,
6. ApolicydecisionhasbeentakentodevelopthefisheriesindustryinHambantotadistrict.
Ratnapuradistrict
NBROhasidentifiedlandsforimplementationofaforestreplantingprogram.Thelandsselectedforthe
programincludeslandswhicharecurrentlyundercultivationandlandshavingslopeswithagradientof
over60%.Anareaofabout66780 ha within Ratnapura district has been ear marked for this program.
AccordingtoinformationfromMinistryofEconomicdevelopmentasumof1,325MillionSLRhasbeen
allocatedtoRatnapuradistrictforthedevelopmentofphysicalandsocialinfrastructure.

123

3.3.5. Available infrastructure facilities

Roadtransportation
SectionfromMataratoBeliatta
Road transportation is the dominant mode of transportation within this section of project area. At
presentnationalroadsofAandBcategoriesarecomparativelylesserinthearea.MataraAkuressa
roadistheonlyAclassroadwithintheprojectarea,buttherearenine(9)numbersofBclassroads,
namely; (1) Weligama Akuressa road (2) Matara Hakmana road (3) Matara, Kamburupitiya Via
Kotapolaroad(4)MataraMedawattaKekanaduraViaYatiyanaroad(5)WellamadamatoBeliwatta
Seethagalla bend of Matara Dikwella main road (6) Hakmana Kirinda Matara road (7) Beliatta
Dikwellaroad(8)HakmanaBeliattaThangalleroad(9)BeliattaWalasmullaroad.
People,intheinteriorvillagesusesclassC(31number),classD(19numbers)andotherminorroads
to enter the main A and B class roads to access town centers for their daily needs such as schooling,
employment,shopping,selling&marketing,andotherofficialbusiness.
ThenumberofmajorandminorroadslocatedwithineachDSDoftheprojectInfluentialareabetween
MataraandBeliattawiththelengthswithintheDSDsisshowninthetablebelow.
Table3.17(a)MajorandminorroadsinprojectinfluentialDSDsbetweenMataraandBeliatta
Divisional
Categoriesofroads
Secretariat
AClass
BClass
CClass
DClass
Division
No.
Length No.
Length No.
Length No.
Length
(km)
(km)
(km)
(km)
Malimbada
1
12.00
1
3.20
5
20.88
8
30.38
Thangalle
0
0.00
3
25.80
2
9.20
3
13.20
Devinuwara
0
0.00
1
9.00
14
88.06
0
0.0
Kirinda
0
0.00
1
1.00
2
6.00
1
80.00
Puhulwella
Beliatta
0
0.00
3
24.62
8
50.22
8
40.30
Total
1
12.00
9
63.62
31
174.36
20
163.88
Source:ResourceprofilesofprojectaffectedDSDs

SectionfromBeliattatoMattala
PeopleintheDSDswithinthissectionoftheexpresswayalsouseroadtransportation.Nationalroadsof
A and B categories are comparatively higher within this section compared to Matara to Beliatta
section of the expressway. Accordingly six (6) number of A class roads and 21 number of B class
roadsrunsthroughtheDSDsfallingwithinthesectionofBeliattaandMattala.Therearealso55Nos.of
class C and 47 Nos. of class D roads through which people in the remote areas assess the main
roads.

124

Table3.17(b)MajorandminorroadsinprojectinfluentialDSDsfromBeliattatoMattala
DSDs
Categoriesofroads
A
B
C
D
No
Distance No
Distance No
Distance No
Distance
(km)
(km)
(km)
(km)
Thangalle
01
27.6
05
19.58
24
10.7
0
0
Weeraketiya
Informationisnotavailable
Angunakolapellessa
01
16.6
05
60.4
01
15.3
0
0
Ambalantota
02
30.0
0
0
03
20.0
09
27.17
Embilipitiya
Informationisnotavailable
Sooriyawewa
0
0
10
43.0
18
118.5
35
1,029.5
Hambantota
01
24.0
0
0
08
53.88
02
22.6
Lunugamwehera
01
32.0
01
20.0
01
16.00
01
126
Total
06
130.2
21
142.98
55
234.38
47
1,205.27
Source:ResourceprofilesofprojectaffectedDSDs

RailTransportation
ThemainrailwaylinefromColombotoMataraistheonlyrailtransportationinthesouthernprovince.
Thisrailwaytransportfacilityisheavilyusedbyalargenumberofpublicandprivatesectoremployees
daily to commute to Colombo and suburbs of Colombo. Rail transport is extensively used for
transportation of goods. Therefore, rail transportation is the other best alternative available to boost
the economy in the project area. The GoSL has already taken the initiative to extend the railway line
fromMataratoHambantota.
Powersupply
Electricitypowersupplyisavailabletotheentireareainfluencedbytheproject.Amediumscalefurnace
oilpowerplantislocatedatNadugalaarea.
Watersupply
Pipe borne water is basically provided by the National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NSW & DB).
However, most of the households in Malimbada DSD do not have water supply connections to their
housesandtheydependonotherwatersourcesavailablewithinthelocality.
Inadditiontothat,pipebornewaterwhichisthroughlocallydevelopedwaterdistributingschemesis
utilizedbyhouseholdsinBeliattaDSD.
AwatertreatmentplantofNWS&DBislocatedatNadugalawhichutilizeswaterofNilwalariver.The
treatedwaterissuppliedtogreaterMataraarea.
Households in Kalawelwala GND in Angunakolapellessa DSD do not have water supply connection to
their houses and they totally depend on other water sources available within the locality. Pipe borne
125

watersupplysystemisavailableinAthgalamulla,Thalapitiyagama,ThenagamaNorthGNDsinThangalle
DSD, Udayala, Medayala, Indigetawela, Nethalaporuwa GNDS in Angunakolapellessa DSD, Bedigama
SouthinWeeraketiyaDSDinHambantotaDSDandMattalaGNDinLunugamweheraDSD.
Telecommunication
TelecommunicationfacilitiesareavailablethroughfixedlineandmobileservicesintheDSDslocatedin
theprojectinfluentialarea.Mobilecommunicationsignaltowersarelocatedinmanylocationssothat
thesubscribersusingthenetworksareprovidedwithanuninterruptedcoverage.AccordingtoDSlevel
information the fixed telephone connections to households are comparatively higher in Devinuwara
DSD, Hambantota DSD and Thangalle DSD. It is very low in Beliatta, Angunakolapellessa and
Weeraketiya DSDs. As stated above mobile phone connections are very popular in the area than the
fixedtelephonelines.
Healthcare
AnumberofhealthrelatedinstitutionsareavailableinprojectinfluentialDSDsfromMataratoMattala
aslistedinthetablebelow.
Table3.18InstitutionsforhealthcareinDSDswithintheextensionofSEW
DSDs
Categoriesofhealthcareinstitutions
Total
District
Central
Rural
Director Ayurveda MOH
hospitals dispensaries hospitals ofhealth hospitals office
office
Malimbada

01

01
Thihagoda

03

15

18
Devinuwara
01
01

03
05
KirindaPuhulwella

01

01
02
04
Beliatta
01

02
01
01
02
07
Thangalle
01
01
01
01

01
05
Weeraketiya
Noinformation
Angunakolapellessa
01
02
01

02
01
07
Ambalantota

02
04

03
01
10
Embilipitiya
01
01
03

01

06
Sooriyawewa

01

02
01
04
Hambantota
01
01
01

02
05
Lunugamwehera
01

03
04
Total
07
12
13
03
25
16
76
Source:ResourceprofilesofprojectaffectedDSDs

Inadditiontotheabovementionedgovernmenthealthservice,numberofprivatesectorhealthservices
institutionsareavailableintheentireroadinfluentialarea.

126

Education
Educational institutions under the Ministry of Education were considered as the main educational
facilities in the project influential area. However, it should also be noted that there are many private
educationalinstitutesoperationalinthearea.
NumberofschoolsavailableinprojectaffectedDSDsfromMataratoMattalaarepresentedinbelow
table3.19.
Table3.19NumberofschoolslocatedineachprojectinfluencedDSDsfromMataratoMattala
DSDs
No.ofschools
Malimbada
14
Thihagoda
17
Devinuwara
16
KirindaPuhulwella
11
Beliatta
42
Thangalle
45
Weeraketiya
27
Angunakolapellessa
12
Ambalantota
27
Sooriyawewa
16
Hambantota
20
Lunugamwehera
24
Total
271
Source:ResourceprofilesofprojectaffectedDSDs

3.3.6. Culturally, historically and archeologically important places

Few historically and archaeologically important places could be identified within many of the DSDs
through which the proposed extension of SEW is located. But no such site was observed within the
studycorridorforthisassessment.However,RDAhasrequestedtheArcheologicalDepartmenttocarry
out an archeological assessment in the project area (proposed ROW). Table 3.20 presents culturally,
historicallyandarchaeologicallyimportantplacesidentifiedineachDSD.
Table3.20Culturally,historicallyandarchaeologicallyimportantplaces
DSdivision
Nameofsite
Malimbada
KirimetimullaCulturalCenter
Thihagoda

Devinuwara
Parama Vichithrarama Rajamaha Viharaya, Divinuwara sreepa Vishnu Devalaya,
DevinuwaraPradeepagaraya,CaveclosetoGalganeroad,SinghasanaKovil,Stone
well, Thun Bodhi Temple, Yellow pond, Wanawasala Maha Temple, Maha
walauwa,103milestone,PinwattaSepalikaramaya,WavsirigamaCulturalCenter
KirindaPuhulwella KirindapuhulwellaCulturalCenter
Beliatta
Bisogala Monastery, Vadiya Sri Sudarshanaramaya, Ancient Temple Dammulla,
127

DSdivision

Nameofsite
SudarmaramayaancientTempleDammulla,MaraweKovilDammulla,Galkema
ancient temple Tharaperiya, Sri Dasdarmodaya Pirivena Godawela,
Getamanna ancient temple, Aldeniya Sri Sudarmarama Temple, Aldeniya
Etambagaha indigenous medicine home, Eldeniya Nethiwala Bibula Ara,
Kotugodella Sri Sumanananda temple, Mahaheella Sri Sudarshanaramaya,
Weudaththa ancient temple, Pussala ancient temple, Puwakdandawa
Panchathuparamaya,KotigodellaCulturalCenter,KambussawalaCulturalCenter
Thangalle
RathnaCulturalCenter
Weeraketiya
Veherakanda temple in Bedigama North, Bedigama Galabada ancient temple in
BedigamaWest,NaigalaancienttempleinAgrahera,Kondagalaancienttemplein
Buddiyagama East, Bisogala temple in Mulkirigama South, Mulkirigala ancient
Temple in Mulkirigala West, Kotigala rock in Keppetiyawa South, Keppetiyawa
ancient temple in Keppetiyawa North, Iththademaliya ancient temple in
IththademaliyaWest.
Angunakolapellessa Gandarma(Aluthwewatemplepremises)
Ambalantota
Nigrodharama temple in Walawawatta West GND, Ussangoda reservation in
Nonagama, Sidarangama temple in Koggala, Girihadu temple in Puhulyaya,
Viharamahadeevi ancient temple in Thaligala, Ramba temple in Rote,
GajamangamaforestinBatathaNorth,UchchawalikatempleinKudaboolana.
Sooriyawewa
Sri Vishnu Art Galary, Suwarnaranga Art School, Dilenatharu Art School,
Swashakthi Art School, Ekamuthu Art School, Dilini Reka Art School, Nomiyena
EkamuthuArtSchool,SandaLankaArtSchool
Padikemgala ancient Temple, Madunagala Temple, Karambagala Temple and Sri
WijayagamaTemple
Hambantota
IsthuthigamaculturalCentre
Bandagiriya ancient Temple in Bandagiriya, Veheragodella ancient Temple in
Siyambalagaswila North, Gotapabbatha ancient Temple in Godawaya, Galanda
ancient Temple in Dehigahalanda, Weragawala ruins in Samodagama,
Sooriyawelapotha ancient Temple in Siriyagama, Yahangala ancient Temple in
Yahangala West, Wilgama ancient Temple in Udaberagama, Pussadewa ancient
TempleinKoholankala
Lunugamwehera
LunugamweheraCulturalCenter
LunugamweheraancientTemple,DeuramveheraancientTemple
Source:ResourceprofilesofprojectaffectedDSDs

3.3.7. Noise sensitive receptors

Schools,hospitalsandplacesofworshiparegenerallyconsideredasnoisesensitivereceptorsofsocially
significant.Asperthestudytwo(2)outof23schoolsandtwo(2)outof31templesarelocatedwithin
study corridor between Matara and Beliatta. These institutes will face the nuisance of noise during
constructionandoperationalstagesoftheproject.Nohospitalswerelocatedwithinthestudycorridor.

128

However, no noise sensitive receptors are located within the study corridor between Beliatta and
Mattala.
DetailsofnoisesensitivereceptorslocatedwithintheGNDspassedbytheproposedSEWextensionand
suchreceptorslocatedwithinthestudycorridorarepresentedintables3.13(a)and(b)inannex3.7.
3.3.8. Existing environmental considerations and issues prevailing in the area
SectionfromMataratoBeliatta
Topographically the first few kilometers of the project is located in the flood plane of Nilwala river.
MostofthelandwithinthisareaisbelowMSLandwaterstagnationisacommonphenomenon.Various
precautionssuchasfloodprotectionboundsatcriticallocationswerebuilttocontrolthesituation,but
havestillnotsolvedtheproblementirely.
Another issue is the increase of salinity in paddy fields within the flood plane area. This issue is
attributedtothefloodprotectionboundswhichhasnowdisturbednaturaldrainagepatternofthearea.
MostofthepaddyfieldswithintheNilwalariverfloodplanearebeingabandonedbyfarmersandthe
conversion trend of paddy fields in to marshes has become a health hazard as it creates a mosquito
breedinggroundemanatingbadenvironment.
Duetotheprevalentnatureofweather(rainsduringmostpartsoftheyear),vectorbonediseasesare
rampantespeciallyintheareanamedMadurudoowa.InlocallanguageMadurudoowameansthearea
of mosquitos breeding ground. As the views of the local community during the field observation had
been mentioned that the name of Madurudoowa came in to existence due to the problem of
mosquitoesinthearea.
SectionfromMataratoBeliatta
Coir production activities, mining activities for gems and other precious stones, and extraction of sea
shellsinthe coastalareaattributestomanyenvironmentrelatedissues.Duetotheprevalentnature,
vectorbonediseasesarerampantespeciallyinHambantota&AmbalantotaDSDs.
Housing units without sanitary facilities prevalent in the project affected area causes health and
environmentalissuesthroughcontaminationofsurfaceandgroundwater.
LandclearanceforChenacultivationinadhocmannerespeciallyinSooriyawewaDSDisalsoaprevalent
environmentalissueinthearea.
HumanelephantconflictisanotherenvironmentalissuethatispredominantinHambantotadistrict.
EarthslipsandfloodsarecommonnaturalhazardsobservedinRatnapuradistrict.

129

4. Anticipated environmental impacts of proposed project

The projectistoconstructanewexpresswayovermarshylands,floodplanes,cultivatedlands,home
gardens, settlements and forest areas. Although the project will yield many beneficial impacts to the
local communities well as the country, there will be adverse impacts of various magnitudes. Some of
these impacts will be on physical and ecological environments while others will be on social
environment. The adverse impacts will be at different magnitudes at different stages of the project.
However, it is anticipated that most adverse impacts will occur during the construction stage and if
adequatemitigationmeasuresarenotadoptedtheycouldpropagateintoprojectoperationalstageas
well.
Projectimpactswereevaluatedbasedonanimpactmatrixwhichispresentedinannex4.1.Thischapter
describes the identified impacts through the impact matrix their significance while paying special
attentionontheimpactslistedundertheTORissuedbyCEA.

4.1.Hydrological impacts
This is one of the most significant adverse impacts that could arise due to the project. Impacts on
surface hydrology could continue through the construction stage into the operational stage of the
project.Maincauseofadversehydrologicalimpactsisduetotheconstructionofembankmentonwhich
thepavementoftheexpresswaywillbelayedandfillingsectionsoflowlandswithintheproposedtrace.
Constructionofembankmentovernaturalandmanmadedrainagepathswillimpedeandaltertheflow
regimecausingfloodsintheupstreamareaandinundationoflowlandareaswhichwerenotsubjected
tosuchissuesbeforeconstructionofsuchembankments.
Thefirst13kmandthesectionpassingthroughDandeniyaFRoftheproposedexpresswayextensionare
morehydrologicallysensitivethantherestofthetrace.Initial13kmsectionislocatedwithintheflood
plane of Nilwala river. This section mainly consist of paddy lands (both cultivable and abandoned),
marshylandsandlandswithsettlements.AndDandeniyaFRhassomenaturaldrainagepathsleadingin
toThambagalaella.Itshouldalsobenotedthatthesesectionsarelocatedwithinthewetzoneofthe
countrywhichreceivesubstantialamountsofrainfall.
AnyerrorisdesigningandplacementofcrossdrainagestructuresespeciallywithinNilwalafloodplane
area will lead to change in surface flow in the upstream area causing frequent flood and prolonged
inundationconditions.Thiswillbealongtermpermanentadverseimpactnotonlytothecommunities
livingclosetotheprojectareabutalsototheecologicalenvironment.
Impactsonhydrologyshouldalsobeanalyzedundernoprojectconditiontakingintoconsiderationof
otherpossiblelanduse changes that mayoccurintheproject area(evenwithouttheproject).Thisis
becausesuchanapproachwillatleastshowhowthedrainageintheprojectareawillbechangedeven
withouttheproject.
ComparedtoMataraBeliattasectionoftheproposedextensiontotheSEW,BeliattaMattalasection
willhavelesshydrologicalimpacts.Thisismainlyduetothefactthatthissectionoftheexpresswayis
130

locatedwithinIntermediateandmoreonthedryzoneofthecountrywhichreceivesraininaunimodal
pattern.
Possiblechangesinnaturalandmanmadedrainagepaths,damagestofloodprotectionschemeslocated
inNilwalafloodplaneandchangeinfloodlevelsduetochangeinfloodretentionanddetentionareas
(e.g. within Nilwala and Walawe river basins) could be listed as hydrological impacts of the project.
Theseimpactsarefurtherdiscussedbelow.
It should also be noted that impact on surface hydrological condition should be dealt in a broader
perspective, i.e. even if adequate openings are kept across the embankment of the expressway any
destructionorinadequatedrainagestructuresatdownstreamwillaffectthedrainageatthatpoint.With
anefficientflowofwateruptosuchpointandreducedflowbeyondthatpointwillleadtoinundationof
upstream area. The time taken for such inundation will now become less and the frequency of
inundation will be more as water will be flowing more freely between the structure at expressway
embankmentandthedamagedorinadequatestructuredownstream.However,peopletendtoblame
thestructuresintheexpresswayratherthanconsideringtheissueofthedownstreamstructures.
4.1.1. Impacts on drainage pattern of the area
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Naturaldrainagepatternalongtheproposedtracewillbealteredandhinderedbyconstructionofearth
filled embankment for the expressway and temporary pilot roads without providing adequate cross
drainage structures (openings). Past experiences have reviled that this is a major issue (not providing
adequatecrossdrainageespeciallyintemporarypilotroads)whichleadstoflashfloodsintheupstream
andimmediatesurroundingsofthetraceandaffectthepeoplebothphysicallyandeconomically.
Thisimpactwillbemoresignificantwithinthefirst13kmofthetraceasitismainlylocatedwithinthe
floodplaneofNilwalariverandaroundchainage59+800withinWalaweriverfloodplane.
Natural drainage pattern within the project area could also be disturbed if construction material are
temporary stored closed to water bodies or excavated soil are washed in to the streams (washed by
storm water). Blockage of streams by such washed material could also give rise to upstream flood
conditions.
Other than the natural drainage paths located in Nilwala and Walawe river flood planes, natural
drainagepathscouldbeobservedwithinDandeniyaforestarea.Disposalofanyexcavatedsoilorother
materialwithinDandeniyaforestareawillimpactthesenaturaldrainagepaths.
Othercrossdrainagepathsaremostlyofmanmade(i.e.drainagefrompaddyfields).Blockageofthese
drainage paths will have an impact on cultivation activities resulting in loss of crop and produce
especiallyintheupstreamsideofthedrainagepath.
Few locations at which this impact would occur are as follows; Nilwala floodplain (0+000 to 13+000),
Thambagala Ella (15+350), Sinimodara Ela (24+500), Kirama Oya (30+200) and other stream, irrigation
anddrainagecanalslistedintable3.2.
131

Duringoperationalstageofproject
Increasevolumeofsurfacerunoffwithinadequateopeningsofdownstreamdrainagestructures(mainly
smallsizeanddamagedculverts)acrosssuchdrainagepathswillleadtoupstreamfloodsbetweensuch
structureandexpresswaytrace.Newflowpathsmaydevelopthroughexistinglowlandareaswhichmay
causedamagetotheexistinglanduseofsuchlands.
Asstatedanyhindrancethatoccurwithinthesystemcouldleadtofloodingandlongterminundationof
upstreamside.Thisaspectshouldbelookedwithawideperspectiveastherearemanyagencieswho
areresponsibleforthedrainageinthesystemandRDAwillonlybeableto(andmandatedto)maintain
the drainage structures within the ROW. Hence even RDA upkeeps all drainage structures within the
ROW and if there is a lapse in maintain a structure downstream it will lead to even inundate the
expressway.
4.1.2. Impacts on flood protection schemes
Floodprotectionschemesarelocated onlywithintheexpresswaysection thatpassesthroughNilwala
flood plane (chainage 0+000 to 13+000). Therefore this impact is isolated within this section of
expressway.
Duringconstructionstageofproject
The proposed trace crosses Naimbada Flood protection bund of Nilwala flood protection scheme at
chainage6+600.Thereisapossibilityofaccidentaldamagetothefloodprotectionbundifembankment
fillingoperationsoverthebundarenotmanagedproperly.Useofthefloodbundforthemovementof
heavy construction machinery and vehicles could also damage the flood bund, which will ultimately
affectthefunctionofthebund.Overtoppingoffloodwaterthroughsuchdamagedbundsectionswillbe
possible during heavy storm conditions where water level of the river may increase beyond such
breachedsections.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Ifthedamagedsectionsofthefloodbundarenotrestoredwithcompletionofconstructionwork,itwill
leadtobundovertoppingduringtheoperationalstageoftheproject.Suchsituationswillbecomemore
frequentandfurtherdamagetothebundwilloccurevenaffectingthefunctionalityofthebund.
4.1.3. Impacts during floods due to loss of retention/detention area
Duringconstructionstageofproject
ConstructionofembankmentsectionsfortheexpresswayalongthefloodplanesofNilwalaandWalawe
riverswouldreducethefloodretentioncapacitywhichisbeapermanentnegativeimpact.Construction
oftemporarypilotroads(forconstructionpurposes)withinthefloodplaneareawillalsoaffecttheflood
retention capacity of these areas during the construction phase. Construction of expressway on earth
filledembankmentwillreducetheflooddetentionareaslocatedmainlywithinfloodplanesofNilwala
andWalawerivers.

132

hehydrologiccalstudy)preesent,
Table4.1 andfigures 4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4and4.5below(extraactedfromth
ood inundatioon areas corrresponding tto 100 year flood
the existing (without the project) HFL and flo
aroundth
heprojectare
eaandthein
ncreaseofHFFLwhentheeexpresswayw
willbeconstrructed.Aspeerthe
analysis of
o surface hyydrology, con
nstruction off the expresssway will inccrease the in
nundation arrea of
Nilwalaflo
oodplaneby0.6m,SinimodaraOyabyy0.7m,Kiram
maoyaby0.227mandWalaweriverby0.1m
meaningtthatmoresurrroundingcom
mmunitieswillbepronetoofloodissuess.
Table4.1HFLcomparissonforwithaandwithoutp
proposedexppresswaytracce
me
Chainage
C
along
a
HFL for existin g HFL
Rivernam
river/stream(m) condition(mMSLL) proposed
d
expressw
way
MSL)
NilwalaRiiver
26
6,442
4. 6
SinimodaraOya
3,493
3
42. 7
KiramaOyya
4,464
4
14.4 7
UrubokkaaOya
8501
22. 5
WalaweR
River
4377
26. 1

HFLdifferencce(m)
with H
(m
5.2
43.4
14.74
22.5
26.2

0.6
0.7
0.27
0.0
0.1

nditions
1Areaofinun
ndationofNilwalariverwitthandwitho utprojectcon
Figure4.1

133


2Areaofinun
ndationofSin
nimodaraOyaawithandwitthoutprojecttconditions
Figure4.2

3Areaofinun
ndationofKiramaOyawith
handwithou tprojectconditions
Figure4.3

134


4Inundationaareacomparisonsforwith
handwithouttprojectscen
narioofUrubo
okkaOya
Figure4.4

5Inundationaareacomparisonsforwith
handwithouttprojectscen
narioofWalaw
weriver
Figure4.5

135

Duringoperationalstageofproject
Impactonfloodretentionanddetentionareaswillcontinueintooperationstageofprojectifpilotroads
andothertemporarystructuresconstructedwithinsuchareasarenotremoved.Landareafilledforsuch
pilotroadsandstructureswillremaininthefloodplanesreducingthecapacityofthefloodbasin.The
impactwillbemostsignificantwithinNilwalafloodplaneandinundationareaofSinimodaraoya.
Developmentsactivatesstimulatedbytheprojectmayincreasethedemandforland.Suchdemandfor
landwillleadtofillinglowlyinglandssuchastheNilwalafloodplanewhichwillalsonegativelyimpact
onflooddetentioncapacityoftheNilwalafloodplane.

4.2.Impacts on biodiversity
Lossanddestructionoffloraandfaunaisanunavoidableenvironmentalimpactduetoprojectsofthis
magnitude.However,duringtheinitialdesignofalignmentithasbeenconsideredtoavoidsuchhabitats
asmuchaspossible.
4.2.1. Loss and destruction of natural habitats and migration routes of wild animals
causing an escalation in humanelephant conflict
Thereareover400elephantsrecordedintheMattalaareasouthoftheUdawalawaNationalPark(NP)
whichiscontiguouswiththeBundalaNPandWilmanneSanctuary.Thoseelephantslivemainlyoutside
theprotectedareas(source;Fernandoetal.,2010).Otherthantheproposedprojectthelandsnearto
the chainage 71+000 to 78+000 have also been allocated for various other development projects
(including grass land for cattle rearing). The expressway section from Beliatta to Mattala will be
generally constructed over an embankment. Such a construction will bisect the MER disturbing the
roaming pattern of the elephants. With less land to roam and loss of feeding ground will make these
elephants move in to human settlements causing an escalation in humanelephant interaction and
conflictinandaroundtheprojectarea.Sincetheelephantisanumbrellaspecies,destructionoftheir
habitatswilladverselyaffectsurvivalofseveralotherspecies.
4.2.2. Disturbances to flora and fauna
Duringdesignandpreconstructionstageofproject(DandeniyaFR)
In order to construct the expressway a land area of about 6~7 ha will need to be acquired through
DandeniyaFR(forwhichtheForestDepartmenthasgiventheirconcurrence).Asstatedundersection
2.1.5thefinaltracehasbeenshiftedawayfromthecoreareaofDandeniyaFRasameansofreducing
the impact on the FR. A fragmentation of Dandeniya FR is unavoidable, however even the smallest
fragmented part will be more than 70 ha which is larger than the forest segment below the existing
mainforestpatch(asshowninfigure4.6below).Someoftheimpactsofsuchfragmentation,especially
theimpactofedgeeffectcouldbeminimized.

136

6FragmentatiionofDanden
niyaFR
Figure4.6

Smalle
estsegmento
of
forest

DandeeniyaFR(Main
foresttarea)

Isolated
dforestpatch
h

Duringco
onstructionsttageofprojecct
Clearingo
ofvegetationforconstrucctionofthee
expresswaytrrace,toestab
blishyardsan
ndlabourcam
mpsis
unavoidab
ble.Suchacttivitywillcausethelossofffeeding,breeeding,restin
ngandroostingsitesofan
nimals
inthepro
ojectarea.
The expre
essway is ussually constru
ucted at a much
m
higher elevation ovver the existting ground level.
Unusuallyy such an ele
evation is obttained througgh constructiing the expreessway on piiers or earth filled
embankm
ment. Noise created during such consstruction opeerations will affect the habitations off both
ndisturbbird
terrestrialandavianfaauna.Heavyn
noiseduringttheconstructtionphasecan
dsandthehabitats
w become le
ess effective for their act ivities. Increaased predatio
on may also occur
next to expressway will
einabilityofbirdstohearrmovementsofpredatorss.Thisimpacttwillbemoreesignificantw
within
duetothe
the expressway secttion through
h Dandeniya FR and foorest patchees close to Madunagalaa and
ewa.
Andarawe
Unlikethe
esectionfrom
mMatarato Beliattaofth
heproposed expressway, theBeliatta toMattalaseection
ofexpressswaywillpassmainlyoverropenland.O
Onemethodoofmigrantnaavigationofanimalsandbirdsis
byreference tostars (Emlen,1975
5).Light pollu
utionfromal lsources(flo
oodlightsat construction sites,
esandconstru
uctionvehicle
es)reducesthevisibilityoofstars,andm
mayentrapm
migratingbird
dsand
campsite
animals in dangerous environments especially during incleement weath
her, causing ccollision, app
parent
nandmortalitty.
confusion

137

Constructionofanearthfilledembankmentwillbelikeconstructionofadamacrossthenaturalhabitats
of animals. Such a construction will affect the free movement of animal species such as amphibians,
reptilesandmammalsandcausingfragmentationofhabitats.Thiswillbeasignificantadverseimpact,
andcouldalsobeapermanentimpactleadingintotheoperationstageoftheproject.
Construction of an embankment will greatly affect elephants roaming around Andarawewa area. As a
sensitiveandintelligentanimal,theelephantlikestomoveinfreeandquiteenvironmentandasaherd.
Whenevertheherdfindsanyobstacleonthemigratoryormovementtrack,theyattempttoavoidthe
routeandsometimesevenadoptalongerpathtofulfilltheirneed.Suchnewroutesmayfallthrough
humansettlementsleadingtoanincreaseofhumanelephantconflict(asstatedabove).
Elephantsgenerallymoveverycautiouslyinthegrouptoprotectthebabyelephants.Theelephantsmay
getdisturbedduetothesoundofthemovingconstructionvehiclesandglareoflightsinthenights.Such
suddendestructionstoparentelephantsmaysometimesscarethemoutoftheareaandifhitandkilled
bysuchheavyvehicles,thesmalloncewillbeleftbehindwithnoprotection.
Brightlightsinstalledinconstructionsiteswillattractnocturnalinsectsduringnighttimewhichwilllead
tomortalityofsuchinsects.
Poachingandhuntingwillbecarriedbyworkersiftheworkercampsarelocatedwithinorclosetothe
scrub/forestarea.
Siteclearingactivitieswillexposegroundsoil,andifthesoilisexposedtostormsandifpropermigratory
measuresarenottaken,thesoilwillbeerodedandwashedoff.Erodedsoilparticleswillgetdeposited
on nearby water bodies which are inhabited by aquatic and amphibian fauna. The soil particles will
developturbidityinwhatwasusedtobeclearwater.Thiswillresultadecreaseintheamountoflight
penetrating into water. Such a situation will adversely affect the survival of aquatic flora and fauna.
Further, the suspended particles may clog the gills of fish and mechanically injure them resulting
increasemortality.Inaddition,theseparticleswillsettledownonthebottomofwaterbodiescovering
thebreedinggroundsoffishanddecreasetheirreproductivesuccess.
If accidental spills of toxic or hazardous material take place near water bodies e.g. Nilwala low lying
area (chainage 0+000 to 13+000) and Thambagala ella (chainage 15+400), stream joining with the
Thambagala ella (chainage 15+975), Walawe river (chainage 59+800) may lead to contamination of
waterutilizedbyfaunaintheprojectarea.Ifwaterwaysintheprojectareaisblockedordivertedthe
free movement of aquatic animals will be disturbed. Further, construction activities will also result in
emissionof dustandotherpollutantsthatwill decreasethequalityofairintheproject areathatwill
haveanimpactonwildlifeinhabitthearea.
Beliatta to Mattala section of the expressway is mainly located in the dry zone of the country where
surfacewaterbecomessearceduringthedryseason(mainlyduringMaytoSeptember).Anadditional
pressure on available water sources will be created as construction activities will also try to extract
waterfromsamesourcesfromwhichanimalsalsodrinkwater(likesmalllakes,reservoirsandstreams).

138

d other manmade destru

uctions will impede anim als coming tto such locations and theey will
Noise and
deprivefrromdrinkingwater.
Duringop
perationalsta
ageofproject
Collisiona
andrunoverofanimalsb
byfastmoving
gvehiclesaloongtheexpreessway
During th
he operationaal period, mo
ortality of animals due too collision and
d run over b
by vehicles m
moving
alongtheexpresswaywillbeanadvverseimpacttodomestic andwildmam
mmals.Alreadyanimalsd
deaths
hicleshavebeecome
(especiallyydogs,lizards,landmonittorsandbirdss)duetohittiingofthefasttmovingveh
an issue in the operating section
n of the sou
uthern expresssway. Beliattta to Mattaala section o
of the
wildlifeandlarrgebirdslikepeacocks,sp
potted
proposedexpresswayextensionwillbethroughlandswithw
d
pigeon
ns and comm
mon myna thaat are low flyying avian sp
pecies.
doves, baabblers, coucaals, egrets, doves,
Thesebird
dscouldeasillybehitbyfaastmovingve
ehicles.
Possiblea
accidentsinvo
olvingwild/d
domesticanim
mals
Ifwildlifeguardsarenotadequatelyappliedand
dproperlyfixxedtothegrroundthewildlifeanddom
mestic
willenterinto
otheexpresssway(please referfigure44.7and4.8b
below)andco
ollidewiththefast
animalsw
moving vehicles
v
running along the
e expresswayy. The animaalvehicle colllisions could
d lead to perrsonal
injuryand
dpropertydamageaswell.
Aboveimpactscouldm
mainlyoccurw
withinexpressswaysectionnfrom15+0000to18+000 (withinDand
deniya
wewa
FR), Bediggantota Forest, Madunaggala Sanctuary around 67++000, expresssway trace ffrom Andaraw
(73+000) toMattala,aandwithinsectionsofexp
presswaythattpassovercu
ultivatedland
d(especiallyp
paddy
fields).

Figure4.7
7Monitorlizaard(Varanus salvator)walkingalongthhecentrallan
neoftheSou
uthernexpresssway
neartoapaddyfieldandmarshylandoneitherside

139


8Dogsrestingginthesouth
hernexpressw
way(operatioonalsection)
Figure4.8
4.2.3. Impacct on aesthe
etic value
Duetositteclearingfortheexpressswaycorridorr;contaminattionofwater bodies(due tosilt,cement,oil
chemicalss,solidwaste
eandsewage
e);shadingefffectonwateerbodiesben
neaththebridgesandlayingof
concrete structures th
he aesthetic value
v
will be impaired in the project aarea. This im
mpact will be more
significantt within Matara to Beliattta section off the expressw
way as this ssection passees through a more
picturesque area (e.g.. Dandeniya Aparekka area which cconsist of a mountainouss topographyy with
oMattalasection.
vegetation)comparedtoBeliattato
4.2.4. Establishment of
f invasive sp
pecies
Duringtheconstructio
onstage,soilb
broughtintotheprojecta reafromouttsidemaycon
ntainseedsoffalien
eryandvehicclescanaccidentallyintrod
duceseedsoffsuch
invasivesspecies.Also,theconstrucctionmachine
plants if used
u
withoutt proper cleaning. Temporary facilitiess such as labour camps, d
dumping sites, soil
storagesitesarepoten
ntiallocationsswhereinvassiveplantspeeciescangeteestablishedin
nquicksuccession.
negativelyaffe
ectboththen
naturalandm
manmadehabbitats.
Thiswilln
It is obse
erved that se
everal alien invasive species have dom
minated the vegetation in certain secctions
especiallyyclosetoHam
mbantota.Th
herefore,thereisapossibbilitythatsucchinvasivesp
peciesmayin
nvade
new areas if the wastte plant mate
erial generate
ed during sitee clearing an
nd dredging aactivities (if aany) is
disposedtoareasawayyfromtheprroject.

4.3.Loss of cur
L
rrent use o
of land, lan
ndscape a
and resourrces
Present laand use within Matara to
o Beliatta secction of expreessway is maainly consist o
of abandoned
d and
cultivated
d paddy field
ds, marshy laands of Nilwaala river floood plane, higghlands with coconut, teaa and
cinnamon
nplantations,homegardensandtownareas.Beyonndtheviaducctsectionswithinthefirst13km
of trace the
t remainingg sections off the expresssway will travverse mainly on earth filled embankm
ments.
Suchemb
bankmentsovverpaddylands,marshylaands,plantatiionlandsand
dhomegardeenswillchanggethe
currentlaandusewithin
nthepropose
edROW.

140

SectionofexpresswayofSEWextensionfromBeliattatoMattalamainlypassesthroughlandswithvast
tracks of lush paddy fields, coconut estates, home gardens, patches of shrub forest and town areas
(settlements). Within this section the expressway also crosses Walawe river and its flood banks. The
landusewithintheROWwillbechangedtoexpresswayembankment.
Interchanges for the expressway extension are also located mainly on paddy lands. Therefore
constructionofsuchinterchangeswillalsohaveapermanenteffectonexistinglanduse.
Witharapidaccessbeing createdwiththecommercialcapitalofthecountryitisexpectedthatmost
landusepatternintheprojectaffectedGNdivisionswillalsograduallychangewhichcouldbeassessed
as a beneficial impact from the social point of view, while being an adverse impact especially to the
ecologicalenvironment.Degradationofforestareas(especiallyforestinDandeniyaforestreserveand
KirindaMahayayaforestreserve)duetoincreasehumanactivitycouldoccurifsuchforestreservesare
not properly managed (This impact could also arise even without the project as there will be an
increasedpressureonlandavailabilitywithincreaseofpopulation).
Loss of flood retention areas is another aspect that needs careful consideration. If the expressway is
constructedoverembankmenttroughthefloodplaneareaofNilwalaandWalawerivers,itwillcreate
floodsituationseveninupstreamareaswhereovertoppingoffloodprotectionbundsmayoccur.
FewpanoramicphotographstakenonthepresentlandscapewithinMatara(Godagama)toMattalaof
theproposedexpresswayextensionarepresentedinfigure3.2.
Extraction of material will change the land scape at such sites, while cut and fill operations along the
trace will change the land scape within the ROW. Both activities will create impacts of permanent
nature.Potentialsitesofmaterialextractionarepresentedinannex2.4.
Turfing of embankment slopes, growth of planted shade tree species at selected locations along the
trace will change the modified landscape during the operation stage of project. This will also give an
aestheticappearancetotheexpressway.

4.4.Noise, vibration and air quality impacts on nearby settlements and

habitats
4.4.1. Noise nuisance to nearby settlements and habitats
Duringconstructionstageofproject
As stated above the proposed trace is located mainly through large tracks of paddy fields, lands with
other plantations (coconut, cinnamon) and home gardens. Between Matara to Mattala the villages
passed by the trace are mostly of rural nature. Main contributory factor for noise at present is the
movement of vehicles along the existing roads. The baseline noise levels measured are presented in
table3.8.
Withcommencementofconstructionworkthenoiselevelswillincreaseduetooperationofmachinery
for various construction activities. The noise level generated by equipment will greatly depend on
141

factorssuchastypeofequipment,thespecificmodel,theoperationbeingperformedandconditionof
equipment.Theequivalentsoundlevel(Leq)oftheconstructionactivityalsodependsonthefractionof
timetheequipmentisoperatedoverthetimeperiodofconstruction.Table4.2presentstypicalnoise
levelscreatedbydifferentequipmentatapproximately15mfromthesource.
Table4.2Constructionequipmentnoiseemissionlevels
Equipment
Typical noise level (dB(A))
at15mfromsource
Aircompressor
81
Backhoe
80
Ballastequalizer
82
Ballasttamper
83
Compactor
82
Concretemixer
85
Concretepump
82
Concretevibrator
76
Crane,Derrick
88
Crane,mobile
83
Dozer
85
Generator
81
Grader
85
Impactwrench
85
Jackhammer
88
Loader
85
Paver
89
Piledriver(impact)
101
Piledriver(Sonic)
96
Pneumatictool
85
Pump
76
Railsaw
90
Rockdrill
98
Roller
74
Saw
76
Scarifier
83
Scraper
89
Shovel
82
Spikedriver
77
Truck
88
Source:USEPA,Noisefromconstructionequipment,operations,buildingequipmentandhomeappliances(Note:
thesevaluesmayvarywithsiteconditions)

Anysignificantincreaseofnoiselevelsduringconstructionwillbeoftemporarynature.Buttheimpact
ofnoisecouldhavealongtermeffectifresidentsnearconstructionareasandworkersareconstantly
exposed to very high noise levels for a prolong time period. Complaints on noise typically arise from
interference with communityactivities,especiallywhen thecommunityhas noclearunderstandingof
theextentordurationoftheconstruction.Misunderstandingscanarisewhenthecontractorconsiders
142

being insensitive by the community even though he believes that he is in compliance with national
regulations.Thissituationunderscorestheneedofearlyidentificationandassessmentofnoisesensitive
locations at least within the near vicinity of the construction sites. A map of such sensitive locations
within150mcorridorandwithinaffectedGNDsispresentedinannex4.2.
Highandcontinuesnoiselevelsduringconstructionwillhaveanadverseimpactonterrestrialandavian
fauna. Disturbance to resting and foraging habits of several avifaunal, mammalian and reptile species
could occur especially in the remaining natural habitats of Nilwala flood plane and Dandeniya forest
area.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Noiselevelsgeneratedbymovingvehicles(atspeedsabove80kmph)alongtheexpresswaywillalsobe
atahigherlevelcomparedtothebaselinecondition.Asperinformationavailableinliteraturethenoise
levels may be in the magnitude of 70 to 80 dB(A). Prolong exposure to such noise levels will be a
nuisancetopublicaswellasfauna.Thereforethisimpactcouldbeconsideredasalongtermpermanent
impactwhichneedstoconsiderassignificant.
4.4.2. Nuisance of vibration to settlements and habitats
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Construction activates will result in varying degrees of ground vibration depending on the equipment
and methods employed. Operation of construction equipment causes ground vibration which spread
throughthegroundanddiminishinstrengthwithdistance.
Buildings founded on the soil in the vicinity of the construction site respond to these vibrations with
varying results from no perceptible effects at the lowest levels, low rumbling sounds and feelable
vibrationsatmoderatelevelsanddamagetostructureatthehighestlevels.
Constructionactivitiesthattypicallygeneratemostsevervibrationsareblastingandimpactpiledriving.
Use of pneumatic and tandem rollers during compaction of embankment soil also generates some
amountofvibration.Groundvibrationcreatedduringconstructioncouldbeconsideredasatemporary
shorttermimpact.Vibrationlevelsgeneratedbysomeconstructionequipmentarepresentedbelow.
Table4.3Vibrationsourcelevelsforselectedconstructionequipment
Equipment
PPVat7.5m(cm/sec)
Piledriving(impact)
Upperrange
3.856
Lowerrange
1.636
Bulldozer
Large
0.226
Small
0.007
Loadedtrucks

0.193
Source:USEPA,Noisefromconstructionequipment,operations,buildingequipmentandhomeappliances(Note:
thesevaluesmayvarywithsiteconditions)

Exposuretogroundvibrationwillhaveanimpactonterrestrialandavianfauna.Disturbancetoresting
and foraging habits of several avifaunal, mammalian and reptile species could occur especially in the
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remaining natural habitats of Nilwala flood plane where most of the pile driving activities and
embankmentconstructionwilltakeplace.
Duringoperationstageofproject
Vehiclemovementsalongtheexpresswaywillnotcreateasignificantlevelofvibrationthatcouldhave
animpacttonearbystructures.Feelablelevelsofvibrationmayoccurwhenlargevehiclessuchassemi
trucksmovealongthehighway.However,thiswillbeatemporaryshorttermimpact.
4.4.3. Air quality impacts on nearby settlements and habitats
At present the project area in general has a pristine atmosphere. Only the townships of Godagama,
Thihagoda, Aparekka, Dandeniya, Beliatta, Angunakolapellessa and Andarawewa may have some
pollutantsinairwhichisalsoduetovehicleemissionsandemissionsfromhouseholds.
Duringconstructionstageofproject
This situation will change with the commencement of construction work. Clearing and grubbing
operations,blastingandquarryingoperations,cutandfilloperationsandembankmentworkwillrelease
dust to the atmosphere. Out of all earth work operations clearing and grubbing operations emit
excessiveamountsofdust.Withprevailingwindconditionsthedustparticlesmayflowawayfromthe
constructionsiteovertosettlementareasandcultivatedlandsclosetoconstructionsites.Exposureto
excessivedustlevelsevenforashorterperiodoftimewillleadtorespiratoryinfections.Thereforearise
of respiratory diseases among communities close to project sites may become prominent during
constructionperiod.
Dustparticlesdepositedoncropscouldhaveanegativeimpactontheyieldandqualityofproducefrom
the crop. This situation is more prominent with crops such as tea, rubber and cinnamon which are
growninDSDsespeciallywithinMataradistrict.
Removal of vegetation will also have an adverse impact on air quality. It is estimated that over 6,000
trees (including coconut and rubber trees) need to be removed with in this section of expressway.
Removal of ground cover and vegetation is a primary source of air pollution and could contribute to
globalwarming.
Exhaust gases containing CO, CO2, SOx and NOx emitted from construction machinery also lead to
degradation of air quality. CO2 gas is a potential source of greenhouse gas which leads to global
warming. The quantities of emissions will vary depending on many factors such as the type of
equipment, fuel source used, type and magnitude of operation carried out by the equipment, fuel
consumptionandcombustionefficiencyoftheequipmentwhichdependontheconditionofequipment.
Operationofasphaltplant,concretebatchmixingplantandcrusherplantwillalsoemitdustandother
fumes to the atmosphere. Burning of cement bags, waste generated in labour camps and vehicle
servicingyardswillalsoreleasegases,fumesanddustwhichcouldbepotentialsourceofairpollution.

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Duringoperationalstageofproject
Theimpactonairqualitywillremainafactorduringtheoperationalstageoftheproject.Emissionsfrom
vehiclestravellingalongtheexpresswaywillbethecontributingfactortoaffecttheairquality.Below
graphshowstheCO2emissionlevelsofdifferenttypesofvehiclesatvariousspeedlevels.
Graph4.1CO2emissionlevelsatdifferentspeedsofvehicles
1600
1400

CO2
Emission
factor

(gCO2/km)

1200
1000
Standardsizedcar

800

Smallsizedcargo

600

Standardsizedcargo

400

Bus

200
0
10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Averagevelocity(km/h)

Source:EIAforimprovementoftrafficaroundnewKelanibridge
With the increase of traffic it is apparent that more quantities of such gases will be released to the
atmosphere. Therefore this will be a long term significant impacts which need long term effective
mitigationmeasures.

4.5.Impacts of slope failure and earth slips

This impact will be mainly restricted to cut sections of Dandeniya area (mainly between chainage
15+000to20+000).
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Slopesfinishedwithhighangleswillbesusceptibletoslopefailures.Theprobabilityofslopefailurewill
besignificantasthisareareceivesmoreraincomparedtoothersectionsoftheproposedtrace.Exposed
soilsurfacesofcutslopeswillalsobemoresusceptibletoslips.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Slope failure or earth slips within above area could occur even during the operational stage of the
project.Suchoccurrencewillbringinslippedsoilontotheexpresswayblockingthepavement.Ifsuch

145

slipped soil is washed off to the nearby streams it will lead to blockage and sedimentation of the
streams.

4.6.Social, cultural impacts due to relocation of communities

4.6.1. Number of settlements and other institutions to be affected
Impactonsettlementsisfarmoreasignificantimpactwhichneedsseriousconsideration.RDAhaspast
experience on impacts to settlements and its return impacts on the projects such as the Colombo
Katunayake expressway, Southern expressway and Outer Circular Expressway. Most of these projects
weredelayedmainlyduetoimpactsonsettlementsandhowRDAastheprojectexecutingagencyand
contractorhadaddressedsuchissues.
Therefore,avoidingsettlementareaswasamaincriterionwhentheinitialstudieswerecarriedoutto
findasuitabletracefortheproposedextensionforthesouthernexpressway.Asaresultofthesestudies
the trace was considered to be taken mainly through areas of paddy fields, high lands with other
agriculture plantations and forest. The less population density of the two districts which is about 600
persons/km2 (Matara)and211persons/km2(Hambantota)comparedto3,330persons/km2inColombo,
makesitlessdifficulttolocateasuitabletraceavoidingmajorsettlementareas.
ProposedextensiontotheSEWwillpassthrough13DSDswithinMatara,HambantotaandRatnapura
districts.Atotalofabout1,400householdsofdifferentcategorieswillbeaffectedbytheproject.Table
4.4summarizesthenumberofhouseholds(HH)affectedineachlandusecategory.
Table4.4SummaryofaffectedlandusecategoryandNo.ofaffectedhouseholds
Landusecategory
No.ofhouseholdsaffected
Residential
664
Commercial
5
Houseandshop
42
Commercialandindustrial
7
Agriculture(lowland)
325
Agriculture(highland)
319
Fallowland
34
TotalNo.ofhouseholds
1396
(Source:Resettlementsurveythroughtheprojectcorridor,2013)

35 schools, 43 religious places (including one mosque), 9 post offices and 107 other government
institutionsarelocatedwithintheimmediateprojectinfluentialGNDs.Oftheseinstitutions02schools,
02templesarelocatedwithin150mcorridorfromtheproposedcenterlineofthetracewithinMatara
and Beliatta section of proposed SEW extension. No such institutions are located within the 150 m
corridorwithinBeliattaandMattalasection.
Duringthefieldinvestigationsitwasobservedthatmanyoftheaffectedresidentialhouseholdshadone
or two subfamilies. Assuming an average family size of four (4) persons and 60% of the affected
householdshadonesubfamilythetotaldirectlyaffectedresidentialpopulationwillbearound4,500(i.e.
livingwithintheproposedROWandmayneedrelocation).However,theindirectlyaffectednumberof
146

families will be much higher. Some of these families will also be adversely affected mainly due to
constructionworkswhileotherswillhavebeneficialimpactsespeciallyduringtheoperationalstageof
theprojectduetoopeningofneweconomicactivitiesintheprojectinfluencearea.
4.6.2. Impacts of land acquisition and resettlement
Asobservedduringthefieldinvestigationsmostofthelandthroughwhichtheproposedtracepasses
areprivatelyownedland.Thetracewillcutacrosstheselandsandtheextentoflandrequiredineach
landlotwillvaryfromafewsquarefeettoentirelandlot.
RDA will acquire both private and government land within the ROW through the Land Acquisition Act
(LAA). Such acquisition will have significant adverse impact on owners of private land (including
residential,commercialandagriculturelands).Acquisitionofcommercialandagriculturallandswillhave
adirectimpactonthelivelihoodandincomeoflandownersandtheirfamiliesandemployeeswhowork
insuchlandsandfacilities.Impactsonlivelihoodandeconomyarediscussedseparatelyinthischapter.
Acquisition of residential lands leads to displacement or resettlement of households. The degree of
resettlement could be simply settling in the same residential structure after modifying the remaining
structureorshiftingbackintheremainingportionoflandortoatotallynewlocation.Relocationofa
householdhasimpactsofmanydimensionsandwillbealongtermsignificantimpact(bothadverseand
beneficialinnature).Removingpeoplefromlandswheretheyhaveresidedforgenerationswillnotbe
aneasytaskasthesepeoplehaveancestralvaluestothelandandpropertiestheyinherit.Thesevalues
will be regardless of the ownership of the land. However the countrys Land Acquisition (LA) system
does not have an effective mechanism to value this aspect which leads to many disputes on LA.
SignificantimpactsofLAofresidentiallandscouldbelistedasfollows;
Adverseimpacts

Lossofresidence
Partingfromfarmlandsorlivestockranchesorlossofeasyaccesstosuchlandwhichthepeople
enjoyedatpresentday
Partingwithrelativesandneighbourswhomtheaffectedhouseholdshavesocialrelationships
Increasedtraveldistance,timeandcosttosocialinfrastructurefacilitiessuchasschools,clinics,
hospitalsandpostoffices
Socialconflictswithhostcommunitiesiftheaffectedfamiliesareresettledinresettlementsites

However, there will be an increase of land values especially close to IC areas which will be a major
beneficialimpactwiththeprogressoftheproject.
Initiallandsurveyscarriedoutinawidecorridoroflandgivesrisetoquestionsandsuspiciousnesstothe
peoplethattheexpresswaywillacquireavastareaoflandwhichisawasteofproductivelandsandis
doneonthebasisofpersonalinterestofsomeinfluentialpersons.
FragmentationoflandisanotherimpactofLA.Fragmentationoflandcoupledwithlossofeasyaccessto
landwillalsobeasignificantimpacttowhichtherewillbeobjectionsfrompublic.
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Althoughfindingofalternativelandforpeoplewhoneedstoberesettledwillnotbeamajorissue(due
toavailabilityoflandsandsuchpotentialsitesarediscussedunderthemitigationsection),therewillbe
an initial reluctance from the people to relocate as resettlement villages. This is mainly due to the
cultural difference between such families. People will also be reluctant to move in to lands with
inadequate infrastructural facilities such as electricity, water and telecommunication as most of them
have enjoyed these facilities in their present location of settlement. Sometimes conflicts among the
resettled community and host community could also arise. Such impacts could persist for a long time
andevenaffecttheprogressoftheprojectiftheyarenotidentifiedandmitigatedeffectively.
Paymentofcompensationisanotherissuethattheaffectedpeoplewillbeconcerned.TheLAAwillpay
statutory compensation to all those who have title deeds or legitimate rights to the ownership of an
affected land. However, there will be many households with no ownership to land (as encroachers
especiallyongovernmentland).EvenwithouttheownershipsuchHHsmayhavedoneadevelopmentto
the land (built a house or other structure or planted some crops). Such HHs will not be adequately
compensated by the LAA and will get an inadequate amount of compensation. If such issue arise the
people will be reluctant to vacate the land leading to many disputes (as observed in previous road
projects)eventuallyevenaffectingthecivilworksoftheproject.
Delaysinpaymentofcompensationisanotherissuewhichleadstodissatisfactionandhardshipstothe
affectedHHs.Delaysinpaymentswillaffectthetimingofshiftingtonewlocationsandsettlingatnew
locationandHHwillfacemanydifficultiesduringthetransitionperiod.
4.6.3. Impacts on livelihood and economic activities
Agricultureisoneofthemainlivelihoodandeconomicactivityintheprojectarea,andwillbethemost
adverselyaffectedlivelihoodandeconomicactivity.Mostoftheagriculturallandsaffected(withinROW)
are cultivated with paddy, coconut, rubber and cinnamon. Some paddy lands within Beliatta and
Mattala have been converted in to banana plantations. Rearing cattle and poultry are also done at
commercialscaleintheprojectarea.Howevernolivestockfarmswereobservedclosetotheproposed
ROWofthisexpresswayextension.

Malimbada
Thihagoda
Devinuwara

2849
3921
1895

67 2.35
242 6.17
50 2.64

602
1115
5152

8 1.32
0
0
15.4 0.29

1582
200
434

46 2.91
27 13.5
31 7.14

153
275
88

Affected
(Ac)

Cultivated
(Ac)

Affected%

Affected
(Ac)

Cultivated
(Ac)

Affected%

Affected
(Ac)

Cultivated
(Ac)

Affected%

Affected
(Ac)

Cultivated
(Ac)

Table4.5(a)ExtentoflandunderdifferentcropsandaffectedareawithinMataratoBeliattasection
DSDivision
Typeofcrop
Paddy
Coconut
Homegarden
Rubber

Affected%

Agricultural lands within the ROW will be converted to the surface of the expressway reducing the
cultivable land. Below tables illustrate the present extent of land used under different crops in each
affectedDSDandtheextentofagriculturetobeacquiredfortheexpressway.

0
0
0
0
11 12.5
148

Kirinda
Puhulwela
Beliatta

1584
3245

42 2.65

1124

6 0.53

2000

183 9.15

438

115 3.54 17987

38 0.21

3045

268 8.80

50

Affected%

Affected
(Ac)

Rubber
Cultivated
(Ac)

Affected%

Affected
(Ac)

Cultivated
(Ac)

Affected
(Ac)

Affected%

Typeofcrop
Homegarden

Coconut
Cultivated
(Ac)

Affected
(Ac)

Cultivated
(Ac)

Paddy

Affected%

DSDivision

18.2 4.16
0

Source:CultivatedlandareawasobtainedfromDistrictStatisticalHandbook,MataraandHambantotadistricts

Embilipitiya
8600 10.92
Beliatta
3245
67
Thangalle
4840
7.03
Weeraketiya
4301
5.52
Angunakolapellessa 6259 365.74
Ambalantota
10283 57.26
Hambantota
8117
0.0
Sooriyawewa
2648 198.47
Lunugamwehera
12731
0.0

Affected%

Affected
(Ac)

Cultivated
(Ac)

Affected%

Affected
(Ac)

Cultivated
(Ac)

Affected%

Affected
(Ac)

Cultivated
(Ac)

Table4.5(b)ExtentoflandunderdifferentcropsandaffectedareawithinBeliattaandMattala
DSDivision
Typeofcrop
Paddy
Coconut
Home
gardens,
Bananaand
othercrops

0.12 1100 3.81 0.34 9500 24.87 0.26

2.06 602.5
8 1.37 1582
45.5 2.87
0.14 2940 38.45 1.31 1450 13.68 0.94
0.12 6230 43.71 0.71 2400 90.87 3.78
5.84 4218
0.0 0.0 870 116.10 13.34
0.55 4540
0.0 0.0 2000 17.05 0.85
0.0 2449
0.0 0.0 2100
0.0
0.0
7.49 1749
0.0 0.0 1796 232.29 12.93
0.0
329
0.0 0.0
50
0.0
0.0

Source:CultivatedlandareawasobtainedfromDistrictStatisticalHandbook,RatnapuraandHambantotadistricts

Reduction of cultivable land will reduce the average quantity of crop produced. However, details of
table 4.5 reveals that the impact on total cultivated land area in each land category will not be
significantlyaffectedduetotheproposedproject.
Depositofdustoncropsofnearbylandswillreducethequalityofproduceinsuchland.Suchissueswill
leadtotheoverallreductionofincomeforfarmersandlandowners.Permanentlossofcultivationlands
willalsohaveadirectimpactontheemploymentofthepeopleintheprojectareawhoareinvolvedin
agriculturallabour.Thiswillbeasignificantimpactasmostoftheactivelabourforceintheprojectarea
isengagedinagriculturelabour.
People who are involved in agriculture labour may move to other parts of the country in search of
employment. There is also a possibility of the present active labour force to shift from a production

149

oriented economy to service oriented economy, which will not help to achieve one of the broad
objectivesoftheexpressway(i.e.todevelopagricultureandtransportationofagricultureproduce).
However there will also be beneficial impacts on livelihood and local economy even during the
constructionstageoftheproject.Someofsuchbeneficialimpactsare;

Openingupofnewemploymentopportunitiesatconstructionsites
Development of services to workers and staff of the project (e.g. hostels, accommodation for
staff,medicalfacilities,directmarketforagricultureandlivestockproduce)therebyincreaseof
income
Incomefromprovidingmealstolabourforceandstaff

Duringtheoperationalstagethemaineconomicbenefitwillbetheefficienttransportofagricultureand
livestockproducetootherregionsofthecountrywithlesstransportationlosses,therebyobtainhigher
profitmargins.
Moreserviceorientedeconomicactivitieswillalsobeestablishedbringinginpeoplefromotherareasof
thecountry.Providingaccommodation,mealsandotherneedstothesepeoplewillincreasetheincome
of the communities within the project affected area. New technologies will also be introduced to
enhance the agriculture production there by increase the income of the communities of the project
affectedarea.
4.6.4. Impacts on irrigation structures and drainage canals
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Asdescribedabovethevasttracksofpaddyfieldsandotherlowlandagriculturallandwithintheproject
area are fed by irrigation canals belonging to Department of Irrigation and Agrarian Development
Department(Irrigationcanalswhicharecrossedbytheproject tracearelistedintable3.2).Asstated
aboveanytemporaryorpermanentblockageorclosureofthesecanalswillaffectedthecultivationof
landsthatareirrigatedbywaterfromtheaffectedcanals.Ontheotherhandtheblockageorclosureof
drainage canals in the area will create a rise in water levels on the upstream side inundating the
cultivated lands. Such situation will also affect the cultivated crops leading to economic losses to
farmers.
However,nomajorirrigationcontrolstructuresuchassluicegates,dropstructures,wiresordikeswere
observedwithintheproposedROW,exceptnearchainage46+800whereasluicegateislocatedcloseto
theROW.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
No major impact is anticipated during operational stage of the project as all irrigation canals and
drainagepathswillbereestablishedwithcompletionofconstructionoftheexpressway.However,any
debris or soil washed on to canal openings of the expressway would affect the canal flow regime
affectingthewaterflowontoandoutofcropfields.

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4.6.5. Impacts due to disruption of existing infrastructure facilities

Mostofthefamilieslivingwithintheprojectinfluentialareahaveaccesstoelectricity,pipebornwater
and telecommunication supplies. Irrigation and drainage canals of Irrigation department, Agrarian
developmentdepartmentandMahaweliauthorityarealsoamajorinfrastructurefacilitylocatedwithin
theprojectarea.
ShiftingofelectricityandtelecommunicationtransmissionlineswillhaveatemporaryimpactontheHH
withintheprojectinfluentialarea,evenshiftingofwatersupplylineswillbeatemporaryimpactasall
thesefacilitieswillbeshiftedandrestoredsothattheconnectivitytohousesandotherfacilitieswillnot
be permanently affected. Accidental damages especially to overhead lines (electricity and
telecommunication)mayalsooccurduetomovementofconstructionvehiclesanddrivererror.
Unlike the above facilities, the irrigation water supply systems to agriculture lands should be handled
carefully. If these canals are blocked or shifted during construction it will lead to damage of crops.
Prolongorconstantdisruptionofwatersupplythroughirrigationcanalswilldevelopdisputesbetween
farmersandcontractor.
Underfrequentdisruptionofwatersupplythefarmerswilloptforalternatesourcesofwatersuchas
dugwells.Farmerswillthenhavetoshoulderadditionalcoststoconstructwellsandpumpwater.
Permanent closure of field canals and distributor canals will lead to abandon the entire area of
agriculturelandswhichwerefedbytherespectivecanal.Suchalosswillbeandadverseimpactnotonly
tothelocalcommunitybutalsototheeconomyofthecountry.
4.6.6. Possible other nuisance to neighborhood
Duringconstructionstageofproject
The construction stage of the project will need skilled workers including labourers and operators of
machinery. The labour requirement which is estimated around 2500 (for the entire trace) will be
supervisedbysupervisors,technicalofficersandengineers.Itisevidentthattherewillbeademandfor
labour and the contractor will fulfill this demand through bringing labour from other areas of the
country or even from other countries. Migrant labour brought for construction will have different
cultural norms. Cultural conflicts may arise due to these differences among the workers and settlers
especially near worker camps. Activities such as selling of illicit liquor, pouching and other illegal
activitiesmayalsoincreasewithintheprojectareacausinganuisancetotheneighborhood.
Disposaloflabourcampwastewillalsobeapublicnuisanceastherewillbeanattractionofstraydogs
and other animals (even elephants) towards these disposal sites. Dumping of spoil and washing of
concretetrucksatroadsidesoflocalroadswillalsobeapublicnuisance.
Constructionoftemporaryserviceroads,diversionandclosureofsectionsoflocalroadswillcausethe
localpublictotravelmoredistancetoreachagivenpoint.Localroadmayalsoneedtobetemporarily
closedduringtheconstructionhourswillalsocauseanuisancetopublicinthearea.Trafficdiversions

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and making single file traffic along main roads such as Matara Akuressa (A024) and Pelmadulla
EmbilipitiyaNonagama(A018)roadswillaffectthetrafficmovingalongtheseroads.
Duringoperationalstageofproject

Themainhindrancesthatthepublicintheareawillfaceisthelimitationofmovement,i.e.thepeople
will have to move through limited access points to move from one side to the other side of the
expressway.
4.6.7. Health, safety and accidents
Duringconstructionstageofproject
As a major infrastructure development project it is anticipated that a number of skilled and unskilled
labourers will be working at site with heavy machinery and material. Construction activities will be
carried out across local roads as well as national roads with traffic and pedestrians such as Matara
Akuressa(A024)andPelmadullaEmbilipitiyaNonagama(A018)roads.
Construction activities such as soil excavation, piling, backfilling, embankment work will require
operationofheavymachinery.Movementofdumptrucksandtrucksloadedwithmaterialwillalsobe
common during the early stages of construction. There is a risk of people and workers getting hit by
suchmachinerywhichmaycausefatalinjuries.
Blasting activities along the trace and at quarry sites will also be a potential source of accidents and
injury.Useofpowertoolswillalsoincreasetheriskofaccidentsespeciallytoworkers.Theriskoffire
and electrocution should also be considered during a project of this magnitude. Risk of fire and
electrocutionissignificantatlabourcamps,materialandfuelstores.
Exposure of works in to hazardous fumes and flames is another occupational hazard during
construction. Falling from heights may also happen if the workers do not use proper safety measures
whenworkingatheightsabove2mfromgroundlevel.
Exposuretodust,exhaustgasesandotherfumeswillleadtorespiratorydiseasesbothinworkersand
publiclivingclosetoconstructionsites.Thisimpactisbroadlydiscussedunderimpactsofairquality.
The section of expressway located within the wet zone receives rains during most parts of the year
which creates the possibility of stagnant water bodies. Stagnant water (at construction sites such as
borehole locations) and domestic waste collected at site (especially in worker camps) may lead to
spreadofmosquitoesandfliescausingvectorborndiseasetoworkersandneighbouringcommunities.
Foodbornediseasescouldalsobecommoniftheworkersdonothaveproperfacilitiesforcookingand
storingoffoodmaterial.Unhygienicsiteconditionswillalsoleadtothespreadofotherdomesticpests
suchasratsandcockroaches.
PossibilityofincreaseofSexuallyTransmittedDiseases(STD)intheareashouldalsobeconsideredasa
significanthealthimpact.

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Duringoperationalstageofproject
Accidentsontheexpresswaywillbethemostsignificantimpactonhealth,safetyandaccidentsduring
the operational stage of the project. With better pavement conditions the drivers travelling along the
expressway may try to travel at speeds much higher than the operational speed of the expressway
leading to accidents. Another contributory factor for accidents is the road worthiness of vehicles that
willmoveontheexpressway.
4.6.8. Impacts due to extraction and transportation of construction material and
disposal of soil
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Largequantitiesofconstructionmaterialsuchasaggregate,gravelandsandneedtobeextractedand
transportedtosite.Potentialsitesformaterialextractionfoundduringthestudyarepresentedinannex
2.4.
In general if the quarries are located close to settlements the people will face noise and vibration
nuisanceandevenhitbyflyrocksduringblastingoperations.
Excavation of gravel will develop depressions on level ground which could collect storm water and
become breeding places for mosquitoes and flies. The risk of people and animals falling into such
cavitiesshouldalsobeconsidered.
Quarryingofsandhasbecomeamajorissueinconstructionworks.Theexcessivedemandonriversand
hascausepeopletoextractsandfromriverbedsatalarmingratescausingriverbankpollution,creation
ofdeepandwidedepressionsonriverbedsandincasesomecasesseawaterintrusions.
Transportationofmaterialthroughroadsthatarenarrowandnotbuilttowithstandsuchloadswilllead
to the deterioration of such roads and even cause traffic congestions. Such situation will cause great
inconveniencetopubliclivingaroundthearea.Movementofsuchvehiclesonpublicroadswillcausea
safety hazard to other vehicles and pedestrians moving on these roads. The road surfaces get muddy
and slippery due to the mud and debris entangled in tyres of these vehicles and brought on to these
roads.
Disposalofdebrisproducedinclearingandgrubbingoperationsandexcavatedmaterialwillalsobean
issueleadingtoimpactsonenvironment.Unplanneddisposalofsuchmaterialwillleadtodegradation
oflandscapeoftheareaandleadtopublicagitation.Ifsuchdisposedsoilwashesovertonearbywater
bodiesitwillleadtosedimentationandblockageofcanals.
This impact is only anticipated during the construction period and not during operational stage of
project.

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4.7.Surface water and groundwater pollution

Duringconstructionstageofproject
Nilwala river and its tributaries, Sinimodara Oya and Kirama Oya are the main surface water bodies
locatedwithintheMataraandBeliattasectionoftheexpressway.Irrigationcanalsanddrainagecanals
couldalsobeobservedintheprojectarea.ComparedtothissectionthesectionfromBeliattatoMattala
is mostly located in the dry zone of the country and water is a scares resource (especially close to
Andarawewa,Mattalaarea).
Construction of piers on river bed will temporarily increase the turbidity of the water and may also
affecttheflowregimewhichwillbeapermanentimpact.
Washoffofsoilfromconstructionsites(duringearthoperations)andsedimentationofthesecanalsand
rivers is the major impact on surface water. The sediments may well flow on to nearby paddy fields
causingsiltationinthesefieldsandaffectingtheyieldofsuchfields.
AccidentalSpills/leaksofchemicalsusedforconstructionofpavement,oilandfuelcouldbeflowedon
to surface and ground water bodies mixing with storm water or waste water discharged from worker
camps,yardsandvehicleserviceandrepairstations.Suchsituationwouldalsodeterioratethesurface
andgroundwaterqualityoftheprojectarea.
Waterscarcityinthelatterpartoftheprojectareacreatesasignificantdemandontheavailablewater
sourcesduringthedryseason.Groundwateravailabilityinthelatterpartofprojectareaalsovaries,i.e.
locationsclosetomainirrigationcanalshaveamuchshallowgroundwaterlevels.Butinotherplaces
thegroundwaterlevelincreasesonlyduringtherainyseason.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Bowsersandtrucksfilledwithfuelandotherchemicalswillmovealongtheexpressway.Possibilitiesof
accidental spills or leakages from these tankers and trucks cannot be ruled out. Such spilled fuel or
chemicals may well get flowed over the pavement and on to storm water drains contaminating the
surfacewaterinthearea.However,theareaofcontaminationwilldependonmanyfactorssuchasthe
quantityofmaterialspilledanddischargedontothedrains,theconcentrationofmaterialandprevailing
weatherconditions.

4.8.Contamination of soil and ground subsidence

Duringconstructionstageofproject
Chemicals used in pavement construction could penetrate through the subbase and contaminate the
soilbeneaththepavement.Emulsionsusedbeforeasphaltingofpavementcouldgetinfiltratedintosoil
layersbeneaththesubbaseifmixedwithstormwater.
Spills and leakages of fuel tanks, chemicals from storage facilities, use of Bentonite in borehole
operationsanduseofweedicideswillcontaminatesurfacesoilintheprojectareaduringconstruction
stageofproject.
154

Soft ground treatment and heavy vibration caused by construction equipment may cause ground
subsidence in lands close to such construction sites. If such incident occurs it will affect any structure
alsolocatedinsameland.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Chemicalandfuelspillsfrombowsersandtruckswillbethemajorsourceofsoilcontaminationduring
operationstageoftheproject.

4.9.Traffic congestion
Duringconstructionstageofproject
The project is located within an area with less traffic; therefore sever traffic congestions will not be
anticipatedduringtheconstructionstage.However,theremaybetrafficcongestionsiftruckscarrying
constructionmaterialmoveonnarrowlocalroads.
Flag men operated crossings will be placed at locations where the temporary service roads cross
nationalroads.Ifthetrafficalongthemainroadisstoppedforlongertimeduration(morethan10~15
minutes)itwillbeanuisancetothedriversleadingtodisputeswithcontractorstaff.
However,thiswillbeatemporaryimpactwithlesssignificance.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
With operation of the project it is anticipated that the traffic load on A002 highway will be reduced,
which is a major beneficial impact of the project. As all feeder roads to the expressway will also be
developed to at least two lane condition (and at least up to immediate town center) there will be no
trafficcongestionsalongtheseroads.
With operation of this section of expressway it is expected that a person travelling from Colombo to
reachMattalaorHambantotainlessthanthreehours.

4.10.

Archeological sites and impacts

Thedeskstudycarriedona3kmcorridoridentifiedsometemplesandarcheologicalsiteswhichwere
beyondtheacquisitioncorridorfortheproject.Thepreliminarysiteinvestigationscarriedoutduringthe
study further reviled that no sites with archeological importance were located within the proposed
ROW.
AlthoughnoarcheologicalimpactisanticipatedtheRDAhasrequestedtheDepartmentofArcheologyto
carryoutanarcheologicalassessmentintheprojectarea.
Possibilityofworkersmovingintosuchdistancesitesandstealingartifactscouldnotbedisregardedina
projectofthismagnitudewherelaboursfromotherareasarebroughtforwork.

155

Oncetheexpresswayisoperationalitwillhelptoincreasebothlocalandforeigntouriststosuchsites
located within the DSDs affected by the project. Such sites are listed under chapter 3 of this report.
Moretouristattractionisanticipatedtosuchsites.Thisisabeneficialimpactoftheproject.

156

5. Proposed mitigation measures

This chapter discusses the proposed measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate the adverse impacts
identified in chapter 4 of this report. Mitigation measures described in this chapter are based on the
preconstruction, construction and operational level information available at this level of study. The
mitigationmeasuressuggestedinthis chapterwill beupdated during the detailed designstageofthe
projectwherenewconstructiontechnologycouldalsobeconsideredasmeasurestoavoidorminimize
adverse impacts with site specificity. More specific amounts of costs for each mitigation measure will
alsobedevelopedduringdetaileddesigns.
An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been developed based on the mitigation measures
suggestedinthischapterwithpossiblelocationswheresuchmitigationmeasuresshouldbeexecuted.
TheresponsibilityandcostofimplementingtheEMPwillchangewiththestageoftheprojecti.e.the
responsibilityofexecutionthemitigationmeasuresduringpreconstructionstageandoperationalstage
(after the defect liability period of contractor) relies with RDA. Execution of the EMP during the
construction period is a main responsibility of the contractor. However, RDA may also be held
responsibleincertainitemsduringtheconstructionstage.
ItisofgreatimportancethattheupdatedEMPisincludedintenderdocumentssothatthebidderswill
understand the need of mitigation measures and keep adequate budgetary provisions to effectively
execute the EMP. RDA should also secure sufficient budgetary provisions to execute the mitigation
measures especially during the preconstruction stage which are more related to land acquisition and
resettlement.
Mitigation measures suggested in this chapter are also in conformity with national standards (where
applicable).BothRDAandcontractorwillhavetoobtainservicesofqualifiedenvironmentalmanagers
forexecutingthemitigationmeasureslistedintheEMP.Theprojectwillmostprobablybetenderedas
anInternationalCompetitiveBidding(ICB)projectwheretheservicesofaqualifiedteamofConstruction
Supervision Consultants (CSC) will be required. Appointment of an environmental expert and a social
experttothisteamwillhelpbothRDAandcontractortoeffectivelyexecutetheEMP.

5.1.Mitigation measures for hydrological impacts

Asdiscussedintheimpactchaptermitigationmeasuresforhydrologicalimpactsshouldbeconsidered
fromthedesignstageoftheproject.Findingsandrecommendationsofthehydrologicalstudyshouldbe
usedasguidelinesfordesigningopeningsofcrossdrainagestructureswithinthemaintrace.
With past experience of designing the Kottawa to Godagama section of SEW, Colombo Katunayake
expresswayandoutercircularhighway;RDAdecidedtoconsiderthesurfacehydrologyespeciallywithin
the Nilwala river basin in a more comprehensive manner, which included studying different route
options and construction options. Finally it has been decided to place the expressway section from
chainage0+000to13+000withinupperreachesofNilwalafloodplane(i.e.routelocatedtowardsinland
athighgroundoroption1asshowninfigure2.3onselectionofroutealternativesalongNilwalaflood
plane).Withinthisroutetheexpresswaywillbeconstructedonviaducttofacilitatetheexistingsurface
157

hydrologyasmuchaspossible.ViaductlocationswithinMataratoBeliattasectionarepresentedintable
5.1.
Table5.1ProposedviaductsectionsbetweenMataraandBeliattasectionofexpressway
Structure
Sectionofexpressway
Structure
No.
length(m)
Start
End
1
2+400
2+460
60
2
2+975
3+025
50
3
3+185
3+390
205
4
3+560
3+650
90
5
3+857.5
3+887.5
30
6
3+942.5
3+972.5
30
7
4+158.5
4+188.5
30
8
4+419.8
4+619.8
200
9
5+945.25
5+975.25
30
10
6+380
6+530
150
11
7+713.5
7+738.5
25
12
8+387.28
8+417.28
30
13
9+819.53
10+150.53
331
14
10+300.8
10+750.8
450
15
10+860.44
10+920.44
60
16
12+048.54
13+210.00
1,410
17
27+450.00
27+750.00
300
18
27+990.00
29+760.00
1,770
Totallength(m)
5,251

It should be noted that structure No. 17 and 18 are located within Beliatta section of the expressway
(interchange area). Also a length of 600 m between chainage 59+995 and 60+595 will be placed on
viaduct.ThissectionofexpresswayislocatedwithinthefloodplaneofWalaweriver.Useofviaductswill
greatlynormalizethesurfaceflowwithintheseareas.
TheHydrologicalstudyhasrecommendedconstructingtheexpresswaywithaformationlevelof4.8m
MSL overall and 6.2 m MSL along the Nilwala flood plane. Placement of the expressway at such
elevation will avoid any flood impacts on the proposed trace. Such formation height will allow the
designerstoevenusepipesof1200mmatmoreregularintervalstofacilitatecrossdrainagethrough
theexpresswayembankment.Placingofsuchpipesshouldbeinadditiontoboxtypestructureopenings
whichasagreateropeningarea.
As standard design practice the opening size of culverts will be based on 50 year flood data while
bridges will be constructed based on 100 year flood data for the given location. However, it is
recommended that the structural design team of the detailed design team closely coordinate with
Department of Irrigation and Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka when deciding the opening sizes for
structuresthatcrossirrigationcanalslistedundertable3.2.

158

Asstatedintheimpactchapterthesurfacehydrologicalconditionoftheprojectareashouldbedealtin
a broader perspective during the operational stage of project. Having an interagency agreement on
managing the drainage system beyond the cross drainage openings of the expressway and its ROW is
important to identify the needs and responsibilities of these line agencies in managing any flood
situationsthatmayariseduringoperationalstageoftheproject.Suchameasureismorecriticalwithin
thefloodplaneofNilwalariveranditisimportanttoconsiderallsuchlineagenciesuptothefinaldrain
point of Nilwala river. Consensus should come between these line agencies on at least the following
aspects;

Drainage structures located downstream of all cross drainage structures located in the trace
(withspeciallyforthesectionwithinNilwalafloodplane)shouldbeidentifiedwithauthority/ies
responsibletomaintainthestructure,

Present status of each structure including details of present status (functioning properly,
partiallydamaged,totallyblockedandnotfunctioning)andthepresentcapacityoftheopening,

Capacity of the line agency to manage the present structure or a new structure built to
withstandthemodifiedflow,

HowbestRDAcouldassistthelineagency/iestomanagethestructure/s.

5.1.1. Impacts on drainage pattern of the area

Duringconstructionstageofproject
Alltemporarilypilotroadsconstructed onembankmentshouldbeprovidedwithadequatenumberof
crossdrainageopenings.Theseopeningsshouldbelocatedinlinewithalllocationswherepermanent
cross drainage structures will be located on the main trace. It is suggested to use combinations of
300mm,600mmor900mmpipeswhichwillyield thesameopeningsize equivalenttotheopeningof
thestructureontheexpressway.
Thecontractorshouldbeinstructedtokeepprovisionstobreakopenthepilotroadandallowdissipate/
avoid any water logging condition upstream during intense rainfall events. These measures are
especiallyimportant,whenconstructingtheexpresswaysectionwithinNilwalafloodplane.
No material (including excavated soil) should be allowed to be disposed near water bodies (even on
temporary basis). It is also expected to avoid heavy earth works close to water bodies such as
Thambagala ella, Eke Ela during times of intense rainfall. If the contractor intends to carry out such
operationsheshouldobtainapprovalfromCSC,byprovidingmethodstocurtailanyunduewashoffof
soilanddebrisintosuchnearbywaterbodies.
CutandfilloperationswilltakeplacenearDandeniyaforestarea.However,thecontractorshouldnot
beallowedtodisposeanymaterialintoornearbywaterstreams.Thecontractorshouldbeinstructed
to submit a method statement on all work carried out close to Dandeniya forest area (including
ThambagalaElaarea)withspecialattentiononavoidingsiltationofstreamsencounteredinthearea.

159

Thecontractorshouldbeadvisednottodamageorblockanymanmadedrainagecanal.Ifblockedthe
contractorshouldremovesuchdebriswithoutanydelaypreventinganylonginterruptionsofwaterflow
whichcoulddamageorhindercultivationactivitiesresultinginlossofcropandproduceespeciallyinthe
upstreamsideofthedrainagepath.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Special worker teams should be designated to clean and maintain all cross drainage structures to
facilitateuninterruptedflowthroughdrainagestructures.
Asstatedaboveabroadconsensusshouldbearrivedwithotherlineagenciestomaintainthedrainage
systemduringoperationalstageoftheproject.
5.1.2. Impacts on flood protection schemes
FloodprotectionschemecouldonlybeobservedwithintheexpresswaypassingthroughNilwalaflood
plane.ThereforethemitigationmeasuressuggestedbelowarerelatedtofloodbundsofNilwalaflood
scheme, especially the flood bund at Naimbada as the expressway will cross over this bund near
chainage6+600.
Duringconstructionstageofproject
ContractorwiththeconsentofCSCandRDAshouldcloselycommunicatewiththeregionalofficeofthe
IrrigationDepartmentonmethodsofcarryingoutconstructionworksclosetofloodbunds(whicharea
property of Irrigation Department). Only permitted vehicles and machinery (if permitted by Irrigation
Department)shouldbeallowedtomoveonthefloodbunds.ConcurrencefromIrrigationDepartment
shouldbeobtainedifexpresswayembankmentistobeplacedoverfloodbundatNaimbada.
The contractor should attend to any accidental damages caused to the flood bund without any delay
afternotifyingCSCandRDA.Rectificationofsuchdamageshouldbeunderdirectsupervisionbyofficers
ofIrrigationDepartment.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
CSC and RDA (or Expressway Authority if established) should verify that no section of the bund is left
damagedbythecontractorwhenrespectivesectionsoftheexpresswayarehandedovertoRDA.Ifany
damageiscausedtothefloodbundsduringoperationalstage(e.g.instancesofanybreachingofbund
section close to the expressway) RDA (or Expressway Authority if established) with the consent of
IrrigationDepartmentshouldattendtorectifythedamagewithoutanydelay.
5.1.3. Impacts during floods due to loss of retention/detention area
RemovalofalltemporarystructuresincludingembankmentofpilotroadbuiltespeciallyintheNilwala
and Walawe river flood planes immediately after the construction of the expressway will avoid the
impactofsuchtemporarystricturesonfloodretentionareasbothduringconstructionandoperational
stageoftheproject.

160

ItisimportanttostudythefloodlevelscausedbysuddendischargesoffloodwaterfromUdaWalawe
reservoir during intense rain in upper catchments of Walawe river and decide the minimum height
requirement for the via duct section and bridge over Walawe river. Such approach will protect the
embankment,viaductandbridgesectionofexpresswayacrossWalaweriverbasin.
Itisequallyimportanttoidentifyanysusceptibleareawithinthefloodplanehavinghighpossibilitiesto
be encroached and filled by people in the future. Such areas should be demarcated, managed and
protectedtoavoidsuchillegalencroachmentandfilling.Suchmanagementshouldbebesttobecarried
outbytherespectivedivisionalsecretariatwiththeassistancefromregionalofficeofRDAorExpressway
Authority(ifestablished).

5.2.Mitigation measures for impacts on biodiversity

Asstatedaboveimpactsonbiodiversitybyaprojectofthismagnitudecouldbesignificant.Noneofthe
floralandfaunalspeciesrecordedareconfinedtotheprojectarea.However,theinitialdesignteamhas
considered the concept of Mitigation by design and avoided placing the expressway alignment
throughforests,sanctuariesandothernaturalhabitatsasmuchaspossible.Forexamplethealignment
does not pass through Madunagala sanctuary. Only about 1.1 km of the trace is located within a FR
(through Dandeniya FR). Following mitigation measures are proposed to minimize the impact on
biodiversityintheprojectinfluencearea.
5.2.1. Loss and destruction of natural habitats and migration routes of wild animals
causing an escalation in humanelephant conflict
Ithasbeendecidedtoconstructunderpassesforalengthofabout930mwithintheMERtofacilitate
thefreemovementofelephants.
Due attention shall also be given to visual and acoustic disturbance to the elephants by the
movingtraffic,andgreenbeltsofsufficientwidthsandlengthshallbeestablishedwithinAndarawewa
andMattalasectionoftheproposedexpressway.
Followingprovisionsaresuggestedtoreducetheimpactofsoundfrommovingtrafficandglareoflights
atnight;

Completebanontheblowingofhornsofthevehiclesusingtheelevatedexpressway
withinthesectionthroughDandeniyaFRandsectionfromAndarawewatoMattala,
Siderailingoftheelevatedexpresswayandbridgesshouldbemadesufficientlyhighsothatthe
glareofhighbeamofthevehicleshallnotfallonthemovementtracksoftheelephants.Glare
from high beam of vehicles could also be reduced by establishing the green belt along the
expresswaysection(especiallywithinsectionpassingthroughMER),
AppearanceofunderpassesandotherstructureswithinMERshouldmatchwithsurrounding
landscapebyusingdifferentcoloringpatternontheouterwallsofthestructure,
Edgesoftheconcretestructuresshouldbesmoothenedoffinsteadofhavingsharpcorners,
ConstructionworknearDandeniyaforestareaandMERshouldbecompletedwithinaleasttime
period,
161

Noisebarriers forbothside
esoftheexp
pressway(figuure5.1)shou
uldbeplacedwithinDand
deniya
orestandMER.
fo

Contracto
or through CSC and RDA should alwaays consult FFD and DWLC
C on any maatter airing d
during
constructionworkatD
DandeniyaFRandMER.

Figure5.1
1Noisebarrie
ersproposedforexpressways
5.2.2. Disturrbances to fflora and fau
una
Duringde
etaileddesign
nstage
Placing th
he entire exp
pressway secction (betwee
en chainage 15+000 and 18+000) abo
ove the cano
opy of
DandeniyaFRwillbethebestwayttoavoidanyfragmentatioon.However, thisoptionissnotviablem
mainly
duetothe
ecostthatwouldbeincurrforsuchcon
nstructionanddevenifsuch
habridgeisp
proposeditshould
be placed
d at least 50 m (or more)) above the ground
g
level of Dandeniyya forest. Thu
us the most vviable
optionisttominimizetthecorridorw
widthrequire
edthroughth eFR.Therefo
ore,duringth
hedetaileddeesigns
the limitss of acquisitio
on corridor will
w be set to a minimum of 80 m witthin the section of expresssway
throughD
DandeniyaFR.
Thiscorridor shouldb
befencedoff immediatelyyafterthe traansferoflandfromForesstDepartmen
nt.No
s
be ke
ept between the forest boundary
b
andd the expresssway corrido
or. This will avoid
passage should
initiation of any human activities within such passage whiich will laterr spread interior of the fforest,
perfragmentoftheFR.
especiallyyintotheupp
Suchmeaasurewillreducetheimpaactofedgee
effectontheeremainingfforestlandan
ndmaintainin
ngthe
vegetation belt immediately after the fence (w
with assistancce from Foreest Departmeent) will enab
ble to
reducethechancesofanyearlysucccessionplantandanimal speciesbeinggestablishedintheedgeo
ofthe
newboun
ndaryandeve
enspreadinginteriortotheforestaffecctingitsinteriiorhabitats.
Specificlo
ocationsforaanimalcrossin
ngstructures(otherthanvviaductsanddrainagestructureswhichalso
act as cro
ossings for faauna) especiaally within Daandeniya FR (e.g. chainagge 16+100 to
o 16+800), m
marshy
landsandpaddyfields(e.g.chainagge39+000and41+500,644+000to65+5500and66+0
000to67+500
0)will
162

t detailed design stage

e of the proj ect. These crossings will be introducced as
be identiffied during the
underpasses and overrpasses to im
mprove safetyy, reconnect habitats and
d restore wild
dlife movemeent to
someexte
ent.
Canopycrossings(figu
ure5.2)could
dbeincorporratedintothhedesignsof thetraceespeciallywithiinthe
erve (betwee
en chainage 15+000 andd 18+000) fo
or arboreal aand semiarb
boreal
Dandeniya forest rese
nkeys,andlo
oris)whosem
movementsw
willbestronglyyimpactedb
bytheexpresssway,
species(ssquirrels,mon
limitingm
movementsan
ndpotentiallyyfragmentinggtheirhabitatts.

Figure

5.2

An

example

of
o

can
nopy

bridgge

over

road

(Source:

Biota

Neotrop..vol.13no.1
1CampinasJan./Mar.20
013)
Duringco
onstructionsttageofprojecct
Habitatenrichmentincludingreplaantingisneed
dedforcaterrforresting, nestingand breedingneeedsof
Plantingshouldbedonew
withnativesp
pecieswhich arelikelyto requirelittleemaintenanceand
wildlife.P
may provve beneficial in maintainiing ecosystem
m integrity. Fruit bearingg trees should not be planted
within the
e ROWinord
der tominim
mize thecollissionoffrugivvorousbirds flyingoverttheexpressw
wayto
foodplants.
Box culve
erts, bridges and via du
uct sections constructed between ch
hainage 0+00
00 to 13+00
00; at
Sinimodara oya (chain
nage 24+500
0); Kirama oyya (change 330+200); Urubokka oya (cchainage 43++400);
streams, irrigationand
ddrainagecaanalscrossedaschainage 43+900,46++800,50+000
0,51+500,52
2+500,
56+300,6
65+000,66+500,72+300,7
73+000,77+4
400;Walawe river(chainagge59+800);w
willbedesign
nedto
facilitate drainagewillalsoserveasspassagesforsmallmamm
mals,reptilessandamphib
biansandmin
nimize
overandcollisionwithveh
hiclesandmi nimizethefrragmentation
nofpopulatio
onsas
theriskofbeingruno
well.
MERbetween AndarawewaaandMattalaareashould
dbedonewitththe
ConstructtionactivitieswithintheM
guidance of DWLC (to
o improve the
e visual appe
earance of thhe via duct ssection). Further, FD shou
uld be
d for any issu
ues pertainingg to construcction activitiees carried ou
ut within thee Dandeniya fforest
consulted
reserve.
163

ConstructionworkwithinDandeniyaforestreserveandMERshouldberestrictedtodaytimetoavoidor
minimizedisturbancetofauna.Alsothestudyteamidentifiedtheneedofprovidingnoisebarriersfor
both sides of the expressway within the Dandeniya forest reserve and MER (the proposed viaduct
sectionforelephantsbetweenchainage71+800and78+000).
No solid waste or spoil dumping sites, hot mix plants and worker camps should be located within the
forest areas (Dandeniya forest reserve, MER chainage 71+800 to 78+000). Regular and adequate fuel
suppliesintheformofLPGorkeroseneshouldbesuppliedtoworkercampsinordertoavoidworkers
scavengingforfuelwoodfromnearbyforestareas.Strictworkerforcesupervisionshouldbecarriedout
bythecontractorwhenconductingconstructionworkwithintheseareas.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Evenwithconstructionofnoisebarrierstheimpactofnoisemaynotbeinsignificant(especiallywithin
theremainingsectionsofthetrace).Thenoisenuisancemaycausesomeanimalslivinginsuchareasto
move into adjacent remaining forest patches/habitats while others get adapted to the disturbed
environment. Therefore it is important to maintain the green belt and noise barriers during the
operationalstageoftheproject.
Collisionandrunoverofanimalsbyfastmovingvehiclesalongtheexpressway
Asignificantnumberofcasesoflowflyingbirdscollisionsandrunoverbymovingvehicleshavebeen
reportedinBandaragamawetlandareathroughwhichtheColomboGallesectionofSEWwhichisnow
under operation. In order to reduce the number of low flying bird casualties (e.g., peacocks, spotted
doves, babblers, coucals, egrets, doves, pigeons and common myna) following design is suggested for
theexpresswaytracewhichtraversesthroughwetlandareasespeciallychainage0+000to13+000and
areaofRotawewaminorreservoir(atBarawakubukanearchainage54+700).Theconceptistoincrease
theflyingheightofthebirdsandavoidwiththevehiclecollisions.Thiscouldbeachievedbyplacingand
additionalfence(mesh)justoutsideofthepavementshoulderoftheexpresswayaspresentedinfigure
5.3(a)and(b)below.

164

MESH

BIRDFLYING
GPATH

4M
4

MENT
ROWEMBANKM

ROWFENCE
WETLAN
ND

Figure5.3
3(a)Asketchshowingabirdflyingpath
hwaydiversioonstructure

Figure5.3
3(b)Apicture
eofabarriertoincreaseth
heflyingheigghtofbirds
Support from
f
DWLC may
m be obtained when id
dentification aand designing places of ccrossing strucctures
(otherthaanofMER).A
Alsolessonsle
earntfromotthercountrieescouldbeap
ppliedwhend
designingeffeective
animal crossings so th
hat the designers and the
e responsible officers of tthe respectivee divisions off RDA
shouldbe
etrainedregaardingthissub
bject.
Possiblea
accidentsinvo
olvingelepha
antsandotheeranimals
Wildlifegguardsshould
dbeadequatelyappliedo
oneithersideeoftheexpreesswayboun
ndaryandpro
operly
fixedtoth
hegroundin ordertoprevventthewild
dlifeanddom
mesticanimalssenteringinttotheexpresssway.
165

under
wildlifeguardshouldbeco
onstructedwiithasolidconncretebasetopreventanimaldiggingu
Alsothew
the wildlife fence. However, fencing alone can
n isolate wilddlife populatio
ons, thus creeating a barrrier to
movemen
nt. Constructing fences along the exp
pressway witth adequate wildlife crosssing structurres as
shownin figure5.4wiillkeepwildliifeawayfrom
mtheroadwaayandguide animalsinto
owildlifecrosssings,
wingthemtotravelsafelyunderorabo
ovetheexpresssway.
thusallow
This mitiggation will re
educe the personal injury and propertty damage du
ue to vehicleeanimal collisions.
Evenwith
hplacingfencces,underpaassesandcanopybridgesiitisimportan
nttoplacewarningsignb
boards
(as shown
n in figure 5.5) within the expresswayy section fallling especiallly within the Dandeniya fforest
reservean
ndtheMERtowarnthedriversonposssibilityofanim
malmovemeentonexpressswaysurface.

Figure5.4
4Wildlifeexcllusionfencinggandculvertdesignforwiildlifeunderp
pass
(Source:w
wildlifecrossingstructurehandbookde
esignandeva luationinNorthAmerica,2011)

166

Figure5.5
5Anexampleofawildlifessignboard

5.2.3. Impacct on aesthe

etic value
Establishm
mentofagre
eenbeltespeciallywithin MataratoBeeliattaandAn
ndarawewato
oMattalasecctions
willhelpttoreducethe
eimpacton aestheticvalue.ThecanoopybridgesiffconstructedwithinDand
deniya
forestcou
uldalsobeco
overedwithcreepers.Consstructionofnnoisebarrierssasshowninfigure5.1willalso
help to improve the
e appearance
e of the exxpressway. H
However theese measuress will not ttotally
pact on aestthetic appeaarance whichh was theree before con
nstruction o
of the
compensaate the imp
expressway.
5.2.4. Establishment of
f invasive sp
pecies
Securingssoilfromlocaationsclosettotheprojecttareawillredducethechaancesoftranssportingany seeds
ofalienin
nvasivespecie
estotheprojectarea(useofmateriall ocationssugggestedinthereport).Land
darea
of labour camps, dum
mping sites an
nd soil storagge sites shoulld be frequen
ntly checked for any grow
wth of
invasive plant
p
species.. If found the
ey should be burned and destroyed w
within the preemises which
h they
werefoun
nd.

5.3.Mitigation
M
n measuress for loss o
of currentt use of lan
nd, land sccape and
resources
r
Lossofth
hecurrentlan
ndusewithin theproposedROWwillbbeapermaneentandirreveersibleimpactt.The
impact is more significant within the
t first 13 km
k of trace w
where it travverse on the upper reach
hes of
ne.Consideringdifferentaalignmentopttionsforthissectionoftraaceandselecctinga
Nilwalarivverfloodplan
routemaiinlythroughaanareawherrethelandussehavealreaddybeenchan
ngedandoverhighlandsgreatly
reduces the
t
impact on
o existing laandscape within Nilwala flood planee. Change in alignment w
within

167

chainage 15+000 and 18+000 reduces the impact on landscape and land use within Dandeniya
AparekkaandKirindaMahayayaforestreserves.
The contractor should be instructed to rehabilitate all lands used for yards, worker camps, material
extractionsitesanddisposalsitesbeforehandingoverthesametotheiroriginalusers.Thisshouldbe
closelymonitoredasthepastexperiencewithcontractorsisthattheyintendtoleavesuchsiteswithout
properrehabilitation.
Any unplanned development that would arise especially during the operational stage of the project
should be managed to avoid any disturbance to remaining natural habitats within Nilwala flood plane
and forest reserves. Degradation and encroachment in to forest areas of Dandeniya and Madunagala
sanctuary should be avoided by introducing and maintaining a buffer zone between the forests,
sanctuaryandhumansettlements.Forestareasshouldbeproperlymanagedduringoperationalstageof
project.
It is important that specific town development plans are developed for each township passed by the
expressway.SuchameasureshouldbetakenasapolicydecisionbyGoSLandexecutedthroughlocal
authoritiesandUrbanDevelopmentAuthority(UDA).
Introducinggreenbeltswithnativetreespecies,cuttingofslopesasbencheswithheightsnotmorethan
6 m and slope angles less than 1 : 2 will also help in mitigating impacts on landscape. Turfing of
embankmentslopesanddesigningbridgesandviaductsectionswithanestheticappearanceshouldalso
beconsideredduringdetaileddesignasmeasurestoreducetheimpactonlandscape.
Instructingthecontractortoobtainmaterialonlyfromapprovedsourceswillmitigateadverseimpacts
ofresourceextraction.
It is important that the vegetation introduced on embankment slopes and green belts are managed
duringtheoperationalstageoftheproject.

5.4.Mitigation measures for slope failure and earth slips

This impact is mainly restricted to the section between chainage 15+000 and 20+000 where the
expresswaywillpassthroughDandeniyaforestareaonrelativelyhighgroundwhichrequirescuttingof
slopes.
Duringdesignandconstructionstageofproject
Designofcutslopesatanglesof1:1.5or1:2willhelpimprovethestabilityofslopes.Restrictingthe
bermstoheightsnotmorethan6mandintroducingbencheswherebermheightsaremorethan6m
willreducethepossibilitiesofslopefailure.
Establishingofvegetationovertheexposedsoil(grasscover)willalsohelpstabilizingsuchcutslopes.It
is suggested to plant grass types and sedges with deep rooting depths. Biological measures such as
hydroseedingandmechanicalmethodssuchasshotcreate,soilnailingcouldbeusedincombinations
tostablethecutslopes.
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Introducingbermdrains,contourdrainsandinterceptordrainswillallowstormwatertodrainoffthe
slopesandminimizeinfiltrationwhichaggravatesinstabilityofslopes.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Maintenance of the vegetative cover over the cut slopes is important to avoid any slope failure. A
separateemergencyresponseteamshouldbeavailabletoremoveanysoilslippedontotheexpressway
surfaceincasesuchslopefailuresoccur.

5.5.Mitigation measures for noise, vibration and air quality impacts on

nearby settlements and habitats
5.5.1. Noise nuisance to nearby settlements and habitats
Noisesensitivelocationsclosetotheproposedtracearepresentedinannex4.2andtable3.13(a)and
(b)inannex3.7.
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Demolitionofstructuresshouldbecarriedoutusingquietermethodsespeciallynearsettlementareas
such as Dandeniya, Beliatta and Angunakolapellessa. For example use of a backhoe to demolish a
structurewillgeneratemorenoisethandemolishingthestructureusingsmallpowertools.Eventhough
thetimetakenfortheactivitymaybegreatertheimpactofnoisenuisancetonearbypublicwillbeless.
Thecontractorshouldbeinstructedtouseexhaustmufflersinallconstructionvehiclesandequipment.
Itisalsoimportanttomonitorthefunctionalityofsuchmufflers,iffoundfaultytheyshouldbereplaced
immediately.Allheavymachineryshouldbemaintainedingoodoperableconditionsatalltimeduring
construction period to avoid any unnecessary sounds generated during the operation of such
equipment. Any additional fittings fitted to construction equipment that generates high and irritating
noisesshouldnotbepermittedatsite.
Selection of transport routes for trucks through less residential areas will reduce the noise nuisance
createdbytrucks.
Care should be taken to place construction equipment as far away as possible from noise sensitive
receptors.
Construction of temporary noise barriers such as temporary walls or piles of excavated material
between site with noisy activity (e.g. pile driving site) and noise sensitive receivers will also help
reducingtheimpactofnoise.
Asetofnoisyoperationscouldbecarriedoutatthesametimeperiodasthetotalnoiselevelproduced
willnotbesignificantlygreaterthanthelevelproducediftheoperationswereperformedseparately.
Workers in vicinity of high noise levels and workers exposed to continuous noise such as drillers,
workersworkingatquarry,crusher,asphaltandconcretebatchmixingplantsshouldinstructedtowear
earplugsduringworkinghours.
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Thecontractorshouldavoidanyconstructionactivityduringdayswithreligiousimportance,nighttimes
andoperationswhichgeneratehighnoiselevelsatnoisesensitivelocations(e.g.nearschools)atgiven
times of the day where noise becomes an issue. If the contractor wishes to carry out construction
activitiesduringthenighttimesuchactivitiesshouldnotgeneratenoiselevelsmorethan45~55dB(A).
ThecontractorshouldmakeawrittenrequesttoCSCandobtainapprovalfrombothCSCandCEAbefore
executingsuchactivity.
Contractor should be advised to avoid impact pile driving where possible especially in noise sensitive
areas.Drilledpilesoruseofvibratorypiledriverwillbequieteralternatives.However,suchoperation
shouldbeapprovedbyCSC.
Itissuggestedthatthecontractorinformsthepubliconanynoisyoperationsthatwouldbecarriedout
close to settlements with details of timing and duration of such operations. The contractor should
always listen to any complaints from public, and make necessary changes to the operations or
equipmentwithoutanydelay.
Noise sensitive receptors during the operational stage should be identified and permanent noise
barriersshouldbeconstructedbeforecommencementofoperations.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Thenoisebarriersconstructedtominimizethenoiseimpact(especiallywithinDandeniyaFRandMER)
should be maintained during the operational stage of the project. It is also important that RDA from
time to time take measurements on noise to monitor the changes in noise levels close to noise
receptors.
5.5.2. Nuisance of vibration to settlements and habitats
Duringconstructionstageofproject
The contractor should be advised to carry out a property condition survey of all structures within a
50~75 m corridor from both edges of the proposed ROW and record any existing failures of the
structures.Ifanystructureisfoundsusceptibletovibrationtheoccupantsofsuchstructureshouldbe
vacatedfromthestructureatleastuntiltheheavyvibrationactivitiesareover.Thecontractorshould
payforanydamagescausedtostructureduetovibrationorrepairthedamages.Thecontractorshould
obtainathirdpartyinsurancetocoveranyunforeseendamagetopropertyduetoactivitieswithheavy
vibration.
As in the case of noise, impact type methods should not be selected for demolition of structures.
Avoidingtheuseofheavyvibratoryrollersorpackersclosetosensitiveareaswillalsoreducetheimpact
ofvibration.
Selection of transport routes for heavy loaded trucks through less residential areas will reduce the
vibrationnuisancecreatedbythemovementofsuchtrucks.

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Phasingoffthedemolition,earthmovingandgroundimpactingoperationssoasnottooccurinsame
period of time should help in reducing the impacts of heavy vibration. The total vibration levels
producedcouldbesignificantlylesswhenvibrationsourcesoperateseparately.
Activities that create vibration should be avoided during hours from 20.00 to 6.00 (night time) as the
publicaremoreawareofvibrationintheirhomesduringthehoursofnighttime.
Impactpiledrivingshouldbeavoidedwherepossible(especiallyclosetovibrationsensitivelocationsas
identified during the property condition survey). Drilled piles or use of vibration/ sonic pile drivers
(which use a standard frequency to drive piles) which causes lower vibration levels should be used
wheregeotechnicalconditionspermits.
No special mitigation measures will be required for this impact during operational stage of project.
However, it is important to advice all users of the expressway to avoid using any item fixed to the
exhaust system of the vehicles that causes unnecessary noise and vibration levels. At higher speeds
thenoiseandvibrationlevelsproducedbysuchfittingwouldbenuisancetopubliclivingclosetothe
expresswayandfauna(especiallywithinforestareasofDandeniya).
5.5.3. Air quality impacts on nearby settlements and habitats
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Effectivelymanagingthedustgeneratingactivitiessuchasearthworks,handlingandtransportingofsoil
andaggregateduringtimesofhighwindsorduringmorestableconditionswithwindsdirectedtowards
adjacentresidencesandotherfacilities.
Allearthworksshallbecoveredinamannerminimizinggenerationofdust(e.g.placingofbarricadetape
over rolled embankment sections to avoid any movement of other vehicles over such sections which
generatedust).
Contractorshouldbeinstructedtouseasetofwatertrucks/bowerstosprinklewateroverallexposed
areas as required for suppression of dust. The frequency and timing of sprinkling will depend on the
weather conditions and availability of sensitive receptors. However the contractor should not be
allowedtousewastewaterorwasteoilfordustsuppression.
Thelevelsofdustgenerationfromthecrusherplant,loadingofrawmaterialstotheasphaltplantand
concrete batch mixing plant should be controlled up to the national ambient air quality standards
(GazetteNotificationNo.1562/22of15thAugust2008).
Storagelocationsofgravel,metalandsandshallbelocatedawayfromsettlementsandothersensitive
receptors.
Careshouldbetakeninstockpilingconstructionmaterialwithadequatecover(withartificialbarriersor
naturalvegetation)againstwindandrain.
Careshouldbetakentoavoidspillageofconstructionmaterialanddustemissionsduringunloadingof
suchmaterialtotheprojectsite.
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All heavy equipment and machinery shall be in full compliance with the national environmental air
emissions fuel and vehicle standards of Extra Ordinary Gazette 1137/35 of June 2000 updated by air
emissions fuel and vehicle standards (importation standards) 1268/18 December 2002 and 1295/11
June2003andfurtheramendment,1557/14July2008.
Itisimportantthatthecontractoradvicealltruckandotherconstructionvehiclesoperatorsonspeed
limitstobeenforcedatconstructionsites.
Asinthecaseofnoiseandvibrationitisbestiftheheavyloadedtrucksandotherconstructionvehicles
avoid moving through settlement areas. If such movement is unavoidable the drivers should be
instructedtomoveatspeedsthatdoesnotgeneratedustandtoavoidmovingonshouldersofexisting
roadswhichgeneratedust.
Allvehiclesdeliveringmaterialtoconstructionsitesshouldbecoveredtoavoidspillageofmaterialand
emissionofdust.
Thecontractorshouldbeadvisedtoavoidortakesuitableactiontopreventdirtandmudbeingcarried
totheroads(particularlyfollowingwetweather).
It is important to commence a replanting programme to compensate the number of trees removed
duringclearingandgrubbingoperations.
Thecontractorshouldbeinstructedtooperatethequarries,crusherplants,asphaltplantsandconcrete
batchingplantswithEnvironmentProtectionLicenses(EPL)andotherregulationsoflocalauthorities.
Itisimportanttoconstructproperstoragefacilitiesforchemicals,cement,paintsandotherconstruction
material.Suchstoragefacilitiesshouldalwaysbeadequatelyventilated.
Allworkersshouldbeadvisednottoburnwastematerialatrandomlocations.Allworkercampwaste
shouldbecollectedandincineratedatonelocation.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Maintenanceofthegreenbeltandestablishingmoretreesthat wouldabsorbemissionsofCO2isthe
best solution to manage the increased CO2 emissions by vehicles. However, the emissions of other
obnoxious gases such as SOx could only be reduced by importing and using quality fuel with fewer
impurities.Suchadecisionshouldbetakenatthenationalpolicylevel.

5.6.Mitigation measures for social, cultural impacts due to relocation of

communities
5.6.1. Number of settlements and other institutions to be affected
Asindicatedinthepreviouschapters,oneofthemaincriterionsusedinselectingasuitabletracewas
avoidanceofsettlementareasasmuchaspossible.TheconceptofMitigationbydesignwasutilizedto
furtherreducetheimpactsonsettlementsandotherinstitutions.Therebythetracewasmainlyplaced
overpaddyfields,othercroplands,forestareasandothercrownlands.
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AcensussurveyofallaffectedHHswascompletedbasedonthetopographicsurveydataavailablefor
the proposed ROW and interchange areas. The survey revealed that around 1,400 HHs established in
differentlandformssuchasresidential,agriculturalandcommercialwillbeaffectedduetotheproject.
Preparation of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) based on the socioeconomic information and land
holdingstatusandexecutingsuchplaninparalleltothelandacquisitionprocesswillassisttheproject
affectedpersons(HHs)toreestablishthemselves.
TheRAPshouldalsoincludeprovisionstopayanycommonpropertieswhichwillalsobeaffecteddueto
the project. Essentially the RAP will provide guidelines to compensate all project affected parties
(includingaffectedpeoplewithnotitledeedfortheland)atanequitableandtransparentmanner.
Resettlement sites need to be developed if opted by affected HHs. RDA held discussions divisional
secretariesofaffectedDSDstofindpotentiallandswhichcouldbedevelopedintoeitherresettlement
sites and/ or to use as disposal sites. Divisional Secretaries of six (6) out of the 13 affected DSDs
provideddetailsofsuchpotentialsiteswhicharelistedinbelowtable.
Table5.2Potentiallandsiteswhichcouldbeusedforresettlementsitesanddisposal
Divisional Secretariat Grama Niladari Details of the owner of the Extent
of
land
Division
Division
land
available
KirindaPuhulwella
Walakandawest Land belonging to Department
10Acres
ofForest
Maahenawatta
3Acres
Beliatta
375,
Nakulugamuwa
north
Kudaheela,east PolmandiyaKetakalagahawatta
100Perches
348,Kahawatta Mahahena
7Acres
Kambussawela
Wewagawatta
2Acres
Tangalle
Kahadamodara
EgodabeddaandNillawatana
500Acres
Angunakolapellessa
Pahalagama
K.V.P.Dayasiri(Private)
1Acre
Suriyapokuna
Welehena,
Koragahawela,
6Acres
Suriyapokuna
Sooriyawewa
Habarathawala
Government
land
near
83Acres
KarambagalArawewa
10Acres
Lunugamwehera
PahalaMattala
SiriwardanaGunasena,
Galwewa, Right bank, Pahala
Mattala,
Tissamaharamaya
(Private)

Ownersoftheprivatelandshavealreadygiventheirconcurrencetotherespectivedivisionalsecretaries
tousetheirlandforabovepurposes.Lettersfromthedivisionalsecretariesareattachedinannex8.2.
ThechiefpriestofKasagalatemplealsoagreedtoprovidealternatelandwithinthetemplepropertiesto
thosefamilieswhoarealreadylivingandfarmingwithintemplelands(underapermitagreement)and
wouldbeaffectedduetotheproject.

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However, if resettlement sites are developed in these lands they should be fully developed before
handingovertoprojectaffectedHHs(i.e.availabilityofelectricity,water,telecommunicationfacilities,
accessroadsanddrainagestructureswithclearlandlots).
It is important that such sites are developed within minimum time period in order to settle displaced
HHsbeforecommencementofconstructionwork.
ItissuggestedthataGrievanceRedressMechanism(GRM)isestablishedduringtheearlystagesofthe
project. Such GRM should be able to address both environmental and social related issues that arise
from preconstruction and construction activities of the project. Any grievances during the operational
stage of the project could be addressed through the Environment and Social Development Division
(ESDD)ofRDA.
The contractor should be made aware of the difficulties that the public has to face due to the new
construction,therebytobemoreempathetictowardsanyissuesraisedbythepeople.Suchanapproach
willeaseanytensionsituationsthatcoulddevelopbetweenthepeoplewholiveclosetotheproposed
ROWandcontractor.
Anypublicorcommonpropertyaffectedduetotheprojectshouldberestoredwiththeconsentofthe
communityinwhichthepropertyislocated.Examplesforsuchmeasurearerestorationofacommon
wellorbathingplace,developingamaterial(soil)disposalsiteintoaplayground.Suchgesturetowards
publicwillhelpthecontractortogaintherespectfrompeoplewholiveclosetotheprojectareawhich
willbeabenefitincarryingoutconstructionworks.
5.6.2. Impacts of land acquisition and resettlement
As stated under section 4.6.2 the LA will be based on LAA and its regulations. It is of paramount
importance that all affected HHs are compensated to the satisfaction of the HHs. It is important that
RDA clearly identify the lands that need to be acquired for the project. This will negate any
misunderstandings between different parts of the communities living close to the proposed ROW
especiallyonthedegreeofimpactontheirlandsandstructures.
Acquisitionoflandneedstobeexpeditedinordertominimizetheuncertaintyofpeople.Itisobserved
thatsomepeoplehavestoppedconstructionofhousesanddevelopmentoflandastheyareuncertain
whethertheirlandwillbeacquiredornot.ExpeditingLAalsomeanspaymentofcompensationwithout
any delays. Such a move will enable the affected HHs to move out of the acquired land in quick
successionandresettleatanewlocationfoundbythemorataresettlementsitedevelopedbyRDA.
Itisimportantthatthesuccessivetopographicsurveyteamsareadvisednottogivefalseormisleading
statements to the public when carrying out the surveys. Such measure will negate any
misunderstandingsofthepublicaboutthetraceandproject.
Overpassesandunderpassesshouldbeconstructedatappropriatepoints(aslistedintable2.4)sothat
the village roads through which the people travel to their farm lands, livestock ranches will be

174

preserved.Itshouldbenotedthatmostoftheselocationshavebeenidentifiedinconsultationwiththe
affectedcommunities.
Maintaining suchexistingtransportlinkswillreducetheimpactofincreasedtraveldistance,timeand
costtosocialinfrastructurefacilities.
As stated in the above section any resettlement site developed for the project should at least have
electricity, water, drainage, proper access roads (fully paved) facilities before distributing land lots to
affectedHHs.Sitesselectedasresettlementsitesshouldbelocatedascloseaspossibletotheoriginal
lands in which the affected HHs had lived previously. Making a dialog with host communities living
aroundthenewresettlementsiteswillreduceanyconflictsamongthem.
A project specific Entitlement matrix has been developed to address all types of impacts that could
ariseduetoLA.Theentitlementmatrixfocusesonfollowingkeyaspects;

Paymentofcompensationatreplacementcost(aspertheprovisionsoftheNationalInvoluntary
ResettlementPolicyorNIRP)
Paymentofcompensationtoallaffectedpartieswithoutconsideringtheownershipofland
Payment of compensation to affected parties so that they will not be deprived at least from
theircurrentstatusofliving
Payment of compensation or restoration of any public/ common property affected by the
project

It is important that the budget of the RAP is based on the payment eligibility items listed in the
entitlementmatrix.Securingofadequatebudgetaryprovisionswillhelpthepaymentofcompensation
toallaffectedHHswithoutanydelays.ThedraftprojectEntitlementMatrix(EM)ispresentedasannex
5.1.
5.6.3. Impacts on livelihood and economic activities
Theprojectspecificentitlementmatrixhasclearlylistedtheentitlementsthatwouldbeapplicablefor
affected persons whose livelihood and economic activities are affected (either temporarily or
permanently).Specialconsiderationhasbeengiventoagriculturelabourasitisthecommonlivelihood
activitywhichmostofthepeopleintheprojectareaareengagedwith.
Apaymentbasedonthesalaryandallowanceswouldbepaidforemployeesininstitutionswhichneed
to be closed during construction period. In case employment is permanently affected a payment
equivalentto6monthssalary/wageswouldbepaidandRDAwillencouragetheemployerstoprovide
severancepayforsuchemployees.Wherepossiblesuchemployeeswouldhavepreferentialaccessto
projectconstructionemployment(pleasereferitemLossofincomeofemployeesorhiredlabourof
entitlementmatrix).
Providing overpasses and underpasses at appropriate points through which the people travel to their
farm lands, livestock ranches will mitigate the impact of parting with agricultural lands and livestock
ranches.

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5.6.4. Impacts on irrigation structures and drainage canals

Permanent closure of irrigation or drainage canal will not be allowed under any circumstance. The
contractorwillbeinstructedtocleananysoilordebrisdepositedonsuchcanalswhichhindertheflow
withoutanydelaytothesatisfactionofCSCandtheauthorityresponsibleforthecanal(E.g.Irrigation
DepartmentorAgrarianDevelopmentDepartment).
Anymainordistributarycanalcrossedbytheexpresswaywillbemaintainedbyconstructingboxtype
culverts or bridge. Water flow on field canals or small scale canals and drainage canals will be
maintainedusingHumepipesofdiametersof600mmto1200mmorboxtypeculverts.Asetofsuch
Humepipeswillbeplacedatlocationswhereonepipeopeningmaynotbesufficienttoallowtheflow.
However during the construction period sections of such canals may need to be closed on temporary
basis.ThecontractorwillbeadvisedtoinformsuchclosuretoRDAinadvancesothatRDAcoulddiscuss
theissuewithrelevantagenciesandfarmersandscheduletheclosurewhichwillhavetheleastimpact
tofarmingpractices.Incasealossofcropisinevitablefarmerswillbeeligibleforcompensationunder
itemstatedasTreeswithTimberValueandStandingCropsoftheentitlementmatrix.
5.6.5. Impacts due to disruption of existing infrastructure facilities
Shiftingofelectricity,telecommunicationandwatersupplylineswillbeatemporaryimpact(astheywill
be reinstated after shifting). However, following mitigation measures are suggested to avoid any
nuisancetothepublicduringsuchshiftingperiod.

Coordinationwiththelineagencyresponsibletomaintaintheutilitysupply
Timelypaymentofmoneytoserviceprovidertoexpeditetheshiftingwork
Advancenoticetopublicontimeanddateduringwhichtheshiftingoperationswillbecarried
outwheretherewillbeatemporarydisruptionoftheservice
Providinganyassistancerequiredbytheserviceproviderinordertocompletetheshiftingwork
withintheminimumpossibletime,therebyreducingthetimeofdisruptiontopublic

Movement of construction vehicles such as excavators and other machinery with boom arms should
closelybesupervisedwhentheyoperateclosetooverheadlines.Operatorsofdumptrucksshouldbe
advisednottomoveontotheroadbeforecompletelyloweringthetipperbed.Itisoftenobservedthat
raisedtipperbedsgetentangledwithoverheadcablelinesdamagingthecablesaswellasthepostson
whichtheyareattachedupon.Thecontactorwillbeadvisedtoobtainathirdpartyinsurancetocover
thecostofsuchaccidentaldamages.
Mitigationmeasuresforanydisruptionofirrigationcanalsanddrainagestructuresarediscussedunder
item5.6.4.
5.6.6. Possible other nuisance to neighborhood
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Possibilityofsecuringlabourfromnearbyareaswillreducetheneedofsettinglargelabourcamps.The
contractor will be instructed to construct labour camps close to yards and constructions sites. Such a
176

movewillrestrictlabourersmovingoutoftheconstructionsiteorlabourcampsinfrequentmannerand
gettingmixedwiththecommunitieswithintheprojectarea.
Contractor should keep regular records of the labour force and produce the details (especially of
workerswithforeignorigin)toRDAonamonthlybasis.Strictlaboursupervisionwillalsobeneededto
reduceanynuisancecausedbyworkers.
SeparatebinsshouldbeprovidedatLabourcampssothatthelabourerswillnotdisposesolidwasteand
foodwasteimproperlyattractingstraydogsandotheranimals.
Operators of dump trucks and concrete mixer trucks should not be allowed to dispose spoil of mixer
truckwashwateronroadsides.
Providing temporary bypasses during construction, advance notice to the public will reduce the
inconvenience caused to the public during the construction stage. Use of flagmen and/or temporary
trafficlights tocontrol trafficflowsatconstricted sites,includingsafe crossingforpedestrians,should
alsobeconsideredasmitigationmeasuresfortheinconveniencetothepublic.
Duringoperationalstageofproject

Asstatedaboveconstructionofoverpassesorunderpassesatappropriatepointswillallowthepeople
tomovethroughexistingvillageroadstoothersocialinfrastructurefacilitiessuchashospitals,schools
etc.
5.6.7. Health, safety and accidents
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Movement of all heavy machinery should be strictly supervised and such machinery should only be
operatedbyskilledandexperiencedoperatorswithvalidlicense.Itisimportantthatallvehiclesusedin
construction are fitted with reverse horns and with all lighting systems fully operable. All areas with
heavyconstructionactivitiesneedtobecordonoffandrestrictedtootherworkers.
Road way blasting and blasting at quarry sites should be handled by well trained and experienced
personsinusingexplosives.Explosive materialshouldonlybe placedatwellsecuredenclosuresaway
from other facilities (especially away from storage facilities of flammable material). Use of explosive
materialshouldbedoneunderdirectsupervisionofPolice.
Theminingengineer/softhecontractorshouldalwaysbeadvisedtofollowproposerprocedureswhen
executinganyblastingoperation.Furtherthecontractorshouldbeinstructedtosubmitamethodology
for blasting activates before executing such work. It is important that the CSC review this method
statementandgiveapprovalbeforecommencementofanyblastingworkatsite.
Allworkersshouldbeeducatedinproperandsafeuseofpowertoolsandelectricity.Wiringinlabour
camps, yards and service areas should be carried out by trained electricians with proper insulation. If
temporary electrical lines with high voltage are to be taken underground, such locations should be
clearlymarkedordisplayedsothattheworkersandmachineryoperatorswillbeawareofsuchdangers.
177

Constructionmaterialwhichcouldgeneratehazardousfumesandflamesshouldbestoredinconfined
enclosures with adequate ventilation. Keeping the doors opened for a while before entering such
facilitieswillreducetheriskofworkersinhalinganyfumesorgasestrappedinthefacility.
Useofproperlyfixedscaffoldingsorladderswillreducetheriskofworkersfallingfromheights.
Levelingandmaintainingamildslopeongroundofyard,campsandserviceareaswillavoidstagnation
of storm water and spread of vector borne diseases. All worker camps sites should have separate
cooking and dining areas. Providing proper storage facilities for the food items will reduce the risk of
workersbeinginfectedbyfoodbornediseases.
Regular inspections to worker camps to inspect the level of sanitation maintained at camp sites and
wastemanagementwillalsoreducethechancesofimproperdisposalofworkercampwaste.
Keeping regular health camps and educating workers on sanitation, safety and diseases including
SexuallyTransmittedDiseases(STDs)andtheirrepercussionswillreducetheriskofincreaseinnumber
ofaffectedpersonsgettinginfectedwithdiseasesincludingSTDsintheprojectarea.
The contractor should arrange for the provision of first aid facilities, readily available trained
paramedical personnel and emergency transport to the nearest hospitals. All work sites should have
detailsofnearesthospital.
Properbriefingandtrainingofworkersonsafetyprecautions,andtheirresponsibilitiesforthesafetyof
themselvesandotherswillassistreducingaccidentsintheprojectsite.
Providingallworkerswithprotectiveclothingincludinghardhats,protectivefootwear,andhighvisibility
jackets for use when construction activities are to take place at night and monitoring the use of such
clothingwillalsoreducetheprobabilityofworkersgettinginjuredwithinconstructionsites.
Itisimportantthatthecontractorarrangeregularsafetychecksofvehiclesandmaterial,andallocation
ofresponsibilitytosupervisorsonstoringmaterialandmaintainingvehicles.Anyfaultsobservedshould
immediatelyrectifyandthecontractormayrequesttheassistancefromCSCinrectifyingsuchfaults.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Increaseinthenumberofroadaccidentsisnowbecomingacommonphenomenon.Drivernegligence
anderrorarethemostcommonreasonsforsuchaccidents.Thiswillbethesamewhentheexpressway
isopenedfortraffic.Followingmeasuresaresuggestedtoreducetheaccidentswhichmayoccurinthe
expressway;

Inform the public (using mass media) the importance of checking the road worthiness of the
vehiclebeforeenteringtheexpressway.
Educating the public of possible damages to vehicles and extra cost that will incur due to
travellingatexcessivespeedsusingmassmedia.

178

InstallationofCCTVandautomatedspeedgunsandcamerasatregularintervals(e.g.mounted
on overpasses) so that the speed of any vehicle moving along the expressway could be
monitored at a traffic control room rather than having random speed checks (which is the
presentdaypractice).
Strictlyfollowingthetrafficruleswithintheexpresswayandenforcingthespotfinesystem.

5.6.8. Impacts due to extraction and transportation of construction material and

disposal of soil
Duringconstructionstageofproject
Locationsselectedforquarryingofrockandborrowingofearthshouldessentiallybeawayfromhuman
settlements. Material extraction sites should not be sited within Dandeniya reserve forest area. The
contractorshouldobtainallnecessaryapprovalsfromForestDepartmentandotherrelevantagenciesif
theyaretosetupquarriesorborrowsiteswithinlandsbelongingtoForestDepartment.
Thecontractorcoulduseexistingquarrysitesandborrowpitsintheareawhichwillavoid/minimizethe
clearingofvegetationandopeningofland.Someofthepotentialsitesthatcouldbeusedarelistedin
this report. However, the contractor should make sure that these sites are operated with proper
approvalsandtherearesufficientquantitiesofmaterialavailableforextraction.Thequalityofmaterial
shouldalsoconfirmtothestipulatedstandards.
Thesurfaceareaandthedepthofmaterialextractionshouldnotbeexcessivetosignificantlyalterthe
existingtopographyinthearea.Allquarryingoperationsshouldbecarriedoutaspertheguidelinesand
conditions given in the approval of Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GS & MB), Environment
ProtectionLicense(EPL)fromCEAandtradelicensefromlocalauthorities.
Excavations should not reach great depths which could alter the water table in the area. It will also
reduce the chances of water getting stagnant leading to breeding of mosquitoes and flies. The risk of
peopleandanimalsfallingintosuchpitscouldalsobeavoidedbyreducingtheexcavationdepths.
The contractor should be instructed to submit a site restoration plan/ programme to the CSC before
commencing any operations. All material extractions sites should be properly restored as per the
restorationplanbythecontractorbeforehandingovertoownersofsuchlands.
Possibilityofusingoffshoresandasasubstituteforriversandshouldalsobeconsideredastheprojectis
located close to the coast line. Use of offshore sand would reduce the demand on river sand mining.
However,suchmoveshouldbeapprovedbytheCSCandoffshoreminingshouldbecarriedoutunder
theapprovalandsupervisionofCoastConservationDepartment.
Materialextractionsitesselectedshouldhaveroadswithsufficientcapacitytobeusedbyheavytrucks.
Instructingthecontractortorepairandrestoreanydamagestoroadswillmitigateanydamagestosuch
roadsurfacesandroadfurniture.Itisrequiredtoincludespecificclausesintothecontractdocuments
onaboveaspect.

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Useofcoversovertransportedmaterialstoguardagainstdustblowandwatersprayingtodampenany
dustysurfacewillmitigatetheimpactsduetotransportationofconstructionmaterial.Itisadvisedthata
tyrebathorawashingareaislocatedattheexistpointofallmaterialextractionsitesandworksites.
Thiswillallowthetyresoftruckstobecleanedbeforetheyentertheexistingroadstherebyavoiding
bringinganymudanddebrisontoexistingroadsurfaces.
Balancingthevolumesofcutandfillwillbethemosteffectivemethodtoreducethequantityofsoilthat
hastobedisposedfromtheprojectsite.Suchmeasurewillalsoreducetheneedoflargedisposalsites
changingthenaturallandscapeofsuchdisposalarea.
Ifdisposalsitesarerequiredthecontractorshouldcarefullyselectsiteswithsufficientcapacities,which
are away from human settlements and water bodies. It is best if the contractor could find lands with
naturaldepressionssothatasubstantialamountofmaterialcouldbedisposedtomakealevelland.The
contractor should be instructed to obtain the consent of CSC and necessary approvals from local
authoritiesandevenCEA(ifrequired)beforecommencingdisposaloperations.Asindicatedintable5.2,
sections from the lands suggested by divisional secretaries for resettlement could also be used as
disposalsites.
Includingclausesintothecontractdocumentsonrestorationofdisposalsiteswillmakesurethatthe
contractor makes necessary provisions to avoid any soil erosion from disposal sites and to grow
vegetationoverthedisposedsoilsoastominimizetheimpactonlandscape.
No precautions will be needed during the operational stage of the project as material extraction and
transportationforprojectpurposeswillnotbeneeded.

5.7.Surface water and groundwater pollution

Duringconstructionstageofproject
Construction works if carried out on beds of Nilwala river and its tributaries, Sinimodara Oya, Kirama
Oya,UrubokkaoyaandWalawerivershouldideallybescheduledduringthemonthsofdryflow,where
thewaterlevelswillbelessandmanageable.Placingthepiersatmuchwiderintervalswillminimizethe
impact on flow regime of the river and its tributaries. Construction of bridges should follow the
recommendationsgiveninthehydrologicalreportpreparedfortheproject.
Schedulingearthworksduringthedryseasonoftheyearwillavoidanymajorflowofwashedoffsoil
into canals and streams. The contractor should also be instructed to avoid placing gravel and other
sedimentgeneratingmaterialnearwaterbodies.Itisalsorecommendedtoplacesilttrapsandpondsat
strategiclocationstocollectsiltbeforewashingintomajorwaterbodies.Suchpotentiallocationswill
bewithintheNilwalafloodplane,Dandeniyaforestarea(Thambagalaella),SinimodaraOyaandKirama
Oya,UrubokkaoyaandWalaweriver.
Allcement,bitumen(barrels),oilandotherchemicalsshouldbestoredandhandledonanimpervious
surface (concrete slab) above ground level. The storage facility for cement, bitumen (barrels), oil and
otherchemicalsshouldbeanenclosedstructureensuringthatnostormwaterflowsintothestructure.
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Aridgeshouldalsobeplacedaroundthestoragefacilitytoavoidrunoffgettingintothestructure.Such
measures will avoid any storm water being contaminated with above material and subsequently
pollutingsurfaceandgroundwaterwithintheprojectarea.
Oil and grease traps should be installed at yard and workshop area to filter the waste oil, other
petroleumproductsandwastewaterbeforedischargingoutsidetheyardorworkshoparea.Anydirect
dischargeofwastewaterfromworkercampsontosoilornearbysurfacewaterbodiesshouldnotbe
allowedinordertoavoidanycontaminationofsurfaceandgroundwaterintheprojectarea.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
Spillsoffuelandchemicalsarepossibleifbowsersandtrucksfilledwithsuchmaterialsfaceaccidents
when moving along the expressway. Placing of emergency response teams and vehicles at strategic
locations (at least at every IC area) with facilities to curtail any major spills and recover the spilled
materialasmuchaspossiblewillreducetheimpactsofchemicalspillageandcontaminationofsurface
andgroundwatersourcesduringtheoperationalstageofproject.

5.8.Contamination of soil and ground subsidence

Duringconstructionstageofproject
Pavement works (laying of base course and wearing course) should be scheduled during dry weather
periods to avoid any emulsions being washed off with storm water and infiltration in to soil layers
beneaththesubbase.
Bentoniteusedinpileoperationsshouldnotbedisposedontonearbylandsandsurfacewaterbodies.
TheboreholesludgecontainingBentoniteshouldbedisposedonlywithconcurrencefromCEAandlocal
authorities.ThecontractormayobtainguidancefromtheCSCandRDAonthisaspect.
Storageandhandlingofcement,bitumen(barrels),oilandotherchemicalsshouldbeonanimpervious
surface (concrete slab) above ground level. The storage facility for cement, bitumen (barrels), oil and
other chemicals should be an enclosed structure. This will avoid any storm water flowing in to the
materialstoragestructure.
Mitigation measures suggested for heavy vibration during construction stage will be applicable to
mitigate ground subsidence due to vibration. In the case of soft ground treatment it is important to
observe any changes in ground levels of nearby lands. The contractor should obtain instructions from
CSCforthemostappropriatemethodofsoftgroundtreatmentwhichwilldependonsiteconditions.
Iftherearecomplaintsoncrackingofstructuresonnearbylandswheresoftgroundtreatmentiscarried
out.Itissuggestedthattheoperationsarestoppedtemporarilyuntilaninvestigationiscarriedoutat
site.IfthecrackingisduetotheconstructionactivitythenthecontractorshouldseekadvicefromCSCto
avoidanyfurtherdamagesandrestoreanydamagesdonetonearbystructures.

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Cordoning the soft ground treatment area (i.e. separating the treatment area or soil mass from the
remaininglandarea)byusinggeotextileorothersuitableimperviousmaterialwillavoidimpactsonthe
watertableinsurroundinglandarea.
Duringoperationalstageofproject
The mitigation measures suggested under pollution of surface and groundwater will be applicable for
thisimpact.

5.9.Traffic congestion
Trafficcongestionswilloccuratlocationswheretheproposedexpresswaycrossesexistingmainroads
(e.g.MataraAkuressa(A024)road).Useofflagmenortemporarytrafficlightsatsuchcrossingswill
avoid any congestion within such sections. However, it is important to time the stoppage of traffic
movementtoperiodsnotmorethan10~15minutes.Advancenoticestotraffictoavoidsuchroadswill
alsobeapracticalmeasuretoreducetrafficalongtheseroads.
The contractor should be advised to attend to any damages (pot holes and drainage) within the
crossings of existing roads and other roads which will be within the ROW (during the construction
stage).Thiswillallowvehiclestomoveatareasonablespeedwithinthesesectionsofexistingroads.
No special mitigation measures will be required during operational stage of the project as all feeder
roadswillbedevelopedatleasttotwooperationallaneconditionswithimprovedroadpavements.

5.10.

Archeological sites and impacts

As stated in the impact chapter, RDA has requested the Department of Archeology to carry out an
archeological assessment in the project area and no sites of archeological importance have been
observed within the proposed ROW. However, following mitigation measures are suggested to avoid
anyimpactstoartifactsthatmaybeexposedduringconstructionstageofproject.

All fossils, coins, articles of value of antiquity and structures and other remains or things of
geologicalorarchaeologicalinterestetc.discoveredonthesite during constructionwork shall
be the property of the Government of Sri Lanka, and shall be dealt with as per provisions of
AntiquitiesOrdinanceof1940(Revisedin1956&1998).
Instructingthecontractortotakereasonableprecautiontopreventhisworkmenoranyother
personsfromremovinganddamaginganysucharticleorthing.
Incaseanartifactorapotentialsiteofarcheologicalinterest isfoundduring construction.All
construction activities within 100m in all directions from the point should be stopped until
furtherinstructionsfromCSCandRDA.ThecontractorshouldinformtheCSCandRDAonsuch
discoverywithoutanydelay.
Under such circumstance RDA should without any delay inform Department of Archeology
abouttheincidentandobtaintheirexpertisetorelocatetheartifactfromsite.

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6. Extended cost benefit analysis

ExtendedCostbenefitAnalysis(ECBA)isanadvanceconceptofCostBenefitAnalysis(CBA)inwhichthe
environmentcostandbenefitsofaprojectisconsidered.Itisimportanttoconsidertheenvironmental
costofaprojectastheenvironmentprovidesarangeoffunctionsforthegeneraleconomyofacountry.
However, measuring the environment cost or benefit of a project is not an easy task as there are no
straight forward methods. This is mainly due to the fact that there is no perfect market conditions
relatedtomanyenvironmentalaspectsofaproject.
WillingnesstoPay(WTP),productivitychangeandsimulatedmarketsareafewconceptsdevelopedin
therecentpastthatareusedtomeasuretheenvironmentalcostandbenefitsofaproject.Changesin
air pollution levels, noise levels, changes in land use, changes in travel time and cost are few key
parametersthatcouldbeusedtomeasureenvironmentalbenefitsofaproject.
A detailed ECBA was notdone for this section of the expressway as it is only a segment of the entire
extensiontotheSEW.Howeverthecurrentstudyteamattemptedanalyzetheenvironmentandsocial
costrelatedtoconstructionofthissectionoftheSEWextension.Theanalysiswasbasedonthemost
significantadverseenvironmentandsocialimpactsidentifiedunderthechapteronImpacts.Themost
significantimpactsidentifiedarelistedbelow;

1.Impactsonsurfacehydrology

2.Costofhumandisplacement(costoflandacquisitionanddemolitionofstructures)

3.Removalofvegetation(treesandtimber)

Based on the preliminary design information a corridor of 150 m was considered as the immediate
impactcorridorforthesectionfromMataratoMattala.
Assumptionsandrationaleusedincalculationofenvironmentandsocialcost
Mainorthemostsignificantenvironmentimpactsidentifiedweretheimpactsonsurfacehydrologyand
removalofvegetation(forestandonplantationland).Onthesocialenvironmentthesignificantimpacts
wasacquisitionoflandandstructureandlossofproductiveland.
WTPconceptwasconsideredtoestimatethecost onsurfacehydrology(i.e.theWTPto maintain the
surface hydrology). The difference between the cost of constructing embankment (with adequate
openings) and viaduct in selected expressway sections within Nilwala river basin, near Beliatta IC and
over Walawe river flood plane were considered as the environmental cost. A viaduct section is also
proposedwithintheMERwithinsection4oftheexpresswayextension.Theadditionalcostincurredin
constructing viaducts could be proximate to WTP by project proponent (RDA) to maintain the natural
surface flow and wildlife movement. Productivity change in lands was considered to value the
environmentalimpactofremovaloftreesandothervegetation.

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Astherewerenodirectmarketpricesforlandandstructureintheprojectarea,thesimulatedmarket
approach was used to determine the social cost for acquisition of land and structure. This is also the
mainsocialcostoftheproject.
Land use within the corridor was categorized as Home gardens/ high lands, paddy land, coconut
plantations, rubber plantations, cinnamon, banana and other agricultural plantations, forest area and
riverineandmarshylands.
The structures located within the corridor were broadly categorized as structures with tiled roofs,
asbestos or concrete roofs and simple/ uncompleted structures with simple roofs. Trees were
categorizedascoconut,rubberandtreeswithtimbervalue.
Itwasassumedthatexceptforbelowchainage(locatedwithintheNilwalariverfloodplane,BeliattaIC
area,WalaweriverfloodplaneandviaductsectionscrossingtheMER)remainingsections(includingthe
interchanges)oftheexpresswaywillbeonearthfilledembankment.
Proposedsectionsonelevatedstructuressuchasviaduct,bridges;
Structure
Sectionofexpressway
Structure
No.
length(m)
Start
End
1
2+400.00
2+460.00
60
2
2+975.00
3+025.00
50
3
3+185.00
3+390.00
205
4
3+560.00
3+650.00
90
5
3+857.50
3+887.50
30
6
3+942.50
3+972.50
30
7
4+158.50
4+188.50
30
8
4+419.80
4+619.80
200
9
5+945.25
5+975.25
30
10
6+380.00
6+530.00
150
11
7+713.50
7+738.50
25
12
8+387.28
8+417.28
30
13
9+819.53
10+150.53
331
14
10+300.80
10+750.80
450
15
10+860.44
10+920.44
60
16
12+048.54
13+210.00
1,410
17
27+450.00
27+750.00
300
18
27+990.00
29+760.00
1,770
19
59+995.00
60+595.00
600
20*
0+550.00
1+240.00
690
21*
1+540.00
1+780.00
240
Totallength(m)
6,781
*Note:ChainageisconsideredfromAndarawewasystemICwhichis0+000

If this length of 6,781 m was to be constructed on embankment it will impede the natural surface
hydrology.Theadditionalcostincurredforconstructionofelevatedstructuresforthesesectionscould
184

thereforebeconsideredastheamounttheprojectproponentiswillingtopaytomaintainthesurface
hydrology.
It should be noted that the environmental cost in extraction of material such as gravel and aggregate
wasnotconsideredofthisanalysis.
Differentvaluesusedforthecalculation

Cost of construction of 1 km length of viaduct was estimated to be SLR. 3.5 Billion while
construction of embankment of 1 km will be SLR. 2.0 Billion (source: design office for the
project).
Valueoflandwasconsideredbasedonthelandusetypeasbelow;

Valueoflandperparch(SLR)
Landusetype
Homegarden/highlands
25,000
Coconutplantation
17,500
Rubberplantation
15,000
Cinnamonandotheragricultureland
17,500
Bananacultivatedland
7,000
Paddyland
7,000
Forestland*
15,000
*Valueofforestlandwasbasedonthetimbervalue.
Valueofstructures
Typeofstructure

Value per sq. foot of structure

(SLR)
Structurewithbrick/cementblockwall
1,750
andtiledroof
Structurewithbrick/cementblockwall
1,500
andasbestosorconcreteroof
Simple/ uncompleted structures with
750
simpleroofs

Tree/timbervalue
Typeoftree/plantation
Coconut
Rubber
Other

Valueofatree(SLR)
1,750
1,500
1,500

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Calculationofenvironmentandsocialcost
1.Impactonsurfacehydrology
Sectionofexpressway Cost for constructing Cost for constructing Environment cost on
on
embankment on viaduct/ bridge surface
hydrology
(BillionSLR)
(BillionSLR)
(BillionSLR)
0+00013+200
6.362
11.134
4.772
27+99029+760
4.140
7.245
3.105
59+99560+595
1.200
2.100
0.900
0+5501+780
1.860
3.255
1.395
Totalcost
10.172
Therefore,environmentalcostonsurfacehydrologyandwildlifemovementinMERwillbeSLR10.172
Billion.
2.Costofremovaloftreesandtimber
Typeoftree
Approx.No.oftrees
Unitcost(SLR)
Totalcost(SLR)
Coconut
5,700
1,750
9,975,000
Rubber
3,250
1,500
4,875,000
Othertrees/timber
2,700
1,500
4,050,000
Totalcost
18,900,000

3.Costoflandacquisition
Typeofland
Unit price (SLR per Total affected area Totalcost(SLR)
perch)
(perch)
Homegarden/highland
25,000
176,368
4,409,200,000
Coconutplantation
17,500
24,982
437,185,000
Rubberplantation
15,000
6,720
100,800,000
Cinnamon and other
17,500
agricultureland
7,800
136,500,000
Paddyland
7,000
197,352
1,381,464,000
Forestandriverine
15,000
13,400
201,000,000
Totalcost
6,666,149,000

4.Costforrestoringaffectedstructures(atreplacementcost)
Typeofstructure
Unit price (SLR per Total affected area (sq. Totalcost(SLR)
sq.ft)
ft)
Structure with brick/
1,750
400,699
701,223,250
cement block wall and
tiledroof
1,500
104,508
156,762,000
Structure with brick/
cement block wall and
asbestos or concrete
186

Typeofstructure
roof
Simple/ uncompleted
structures with simple
roofs
Totalcost

Unit price (SLR per Total affected area (sq. Totalcost(SLR)

sq.ft)
ft)
750

16,385

5.Totalestimatedenvironmentalandsocialcostoftheproposedproject
Environmentandsocialcostitem
1.Impactonsurfacehydrology
2.Costofremovaloftreesandtimber
3.Costoflandacquisition
4.Costforrestoringaffectedstructures
Total

12,288,750

870,274,000

Cost(inBillionSLR)
10.172
0.018
6.666
0.870
17.726

BasedontheabovecalculationstheenvironmentalcostoftheprojectisestimatedatSLR17.726Billion.
However,itshouldbenotedthatthiscalculationisbasedonveryroughfiguresanddonotreflectany
market prices. Therefore, they should not be used as basis of compensation. The amount of money
required to compensate all affected parties will be calculated in the budget of RAP prepared for this
sectionofexpressway.
AtthislevelofstudytheprojectconstructioncostforfoursectionsfromMataratoMattalaisestimated
at SLR 174.9 Billion. In general it is assumed that 10~15% of the construction cost will be require to
implementthemitigationmeasureslisted.Thisamountwillbearound26.2BillionSLR.Thecontractor/s
shouldkeep budgetaryprovisionstoretainsuchamountinordertoexecutemitigation measuresina
moreeffectivemanner.

187

7. Environmental management and monitoring programme

As discussed in chapter 5 the mitigation measures should be considered important in avoiding and
mitigating any adverse impact during preconstruction, construction and operational stages of the
project.Theimpactsandmitigationmeasuresdiscussedunderchapters4and5willbefurtherupdated
(to be more project specific in terms of construction aspects, economic aspects, environmental and
socialaspects)duringthedetaileddesignstageoftheproject.Eventhoughtheimpactswouldremain
thesamemorespecificmitigationmeasurescouldbesuggestedbasedonthespecificdesigndetails.
TheEnvironmentalManagementPlan(EMP)whichwasdescribedunderchapterfive(5)ispresentedas
anannextothischapterasannex7.1ofthisreport.TheEMPhasbeenseparatedintothree(3)sections
coincidingwiththefirstthreesectionsoftheexpresswayextensionfromMataratoAndarawewasystem
IC.EMPforthesectionfromAndarawewasystemICtoMattalawillbeincludedintheEIARforsection4
(SeaportAirportexpressway)oftheproposedexpresswayextension.
ItisimportantthatthisEMPisrevisedduringdetaileddesignstageandtheupdatedEMPshouldbepart
ofthecontractdocuments.ImplementingtheEMPduringconstructionperiodisaresponsibilityofthe
contractorandabudgetaryprovisionshouldbekeptforsuchmeasures.Duringtenderevaluationstage
RDAshouldcheckallbidsfromcontractorsonfulfillmentoftheaboverequirement.
Monitoringthemitigationmeasuresadoptedespeciallybythecontractorduringtheconstructionstage
isimportanttoidentifytheeffectivenessofeachmitigationmeasure.Thisisbecausetheconstruction
stage is the period where most critical impacts arise. A set of baseline data were set for this project
through measuring ambient air quality, surface water quality and noise levels at selected locations
withintheprojectarea.TheEnvironmentalMonitoringPlan(EMoP)presentedinannex7.2listoutthe
environmentalparametersthatneedtobemeasuredperiodicallyoroncomplaintbasis.
Asstatedabovetheexecutionofmitigationmeasuresduringconstructionperiodisamainresponsibility
of the contractor. The project proponent or RDA holds the responsibility to carry out the mitigation
measuresduringpreconstructionandpostconstructionstages.TheESDDofRDAwillberesponsibleto
monitor the implementation of EMP as an internal monitor while the CEA will be the external
monitoring agency for the project. It is required that ESDD carry out regular inspection to the project
sitetomonitorthecompliancelevelswhileCEAcouldcarryoutinspectiononaquarterlybasis.
AsdiscussedinthepreviouschaptersthecontractorshouldrecruitadedicatedEnvironmentalEngineer
toadvisethecontractionstaffontheneedsofenvironmentalcompliance.TheConstructionSupervision
Consultant (CSC) should obtain services of an Environmental Specialist to advice the contractor in
implementingtheEMPandEMoPduringtheconstructionperiod.

188

8. Public consultation and information disclosure

As another major development project to the southern region of the country the GoSL wished to
communicatethefactsoftheprojecttothepublicevenattheinitialstageoftheproject.Hencethree
awareness programmes were carried out at Matara (two meetings) and Hambantota (one meeting)
underthepoliticalpatronage.SubsequentmeetingatDSDlevelswerealsoorganizedinparalleltothe
socioeconomicsurveywhichwascarriedalongtheproposedtrace.
The environmental and social safeguards manuals of RDA also identify the need and importance of
carrying public consultations. As per the NEA guidelines the EIA report will be opened for public
commentsbeforethefinalapprovalisgrantedbyCEA.
Thepublicparticipationandinformationdisclosureprocessatthisstageoftheprojectaimsatgetting
theviewsandexperienceofthestakeholderstoimprovetheprojectssustainability.

8.1.Overview of Public Consultation and Information Disclosure Process

Publicconsultationandinformationdisclosureisatwowayprocessofexchanginginformationregarding
theproject.Twomainprocessesare;
(1).
Inform all stakeholders about the key features of the project through leaflets,
stakeholder meetings, presentations, oral explanations, display and explain project layout
drawings, maps etc. and provide a good idea of the project features to the likely affected
stakeholderssothattheycouldexpresstheirviewsregardingthelikelyadverseimpacts.Views
expressedbypublicareattachedasannex8.1.
(2).
During the EIA process the CEA will put up paper advertisement to inform people to
obtaincommentsandobservationsontheEIAreport.
This two way process was designed to muster a broader and a comprehensive view regarding the
projectinducedimpacts,proposedmitigationactionbytheprojectteam,mitigationmeasuresexpected
bythestakeholders,otherfacilitiesrequestedbythestakeholdersetc.
During this study a team of RDA officials visited Irrigation Department, Mahaweli Authority, Agrarian
DevelopmentDepartment,ForestDepartmentandDepartmentofWildlifeConservationtoobtaintheir
views,suggestionsandcommentsontheproposedproject.Consentandrequirementsstatedbythese
agenciesarelistedinannex8.2.
Type1:StakeholderMeetingsFormal
StakeholdermeetingswereheldattheDistrictSecretariatlevelaswellasatDivisionalSecretariatlevel.
ThemainparticipatorygroupsinthesemeetingswereofficialsfromlineagenciesatDivisionalSecretary
levelandpublic.

189

Type2:SocialParticipatoryRapidSurvey(SPRS)Informal
Thissurveywasconductedusingrandomsamplesofstakeholderswithoutanypredeterminedpattern.
Howeveringeneraltheprojectareawascoveredduringthissurvey.Stakeholdersincriticallocationsof
the trace, people who were even idling at roadside were interviewed. Ideas of small groups were
musteredandrecorded.
Type3:MeetingwithprojectrelatedlineagenciesFormal
This was a special meeting with the officials of the line agencies such as Agrarian Development
Department, Irrigation Department, Central Environmental Authority and Forest Department. A
consulting team from RDA met responsible high ranking officers related to the matter to initiate and
expeditetheprocessofnecessaryapprovalsoftheproject.
Table8.1Asummaryofstakeholdermeetings
Meeting
Venue
Dates
Type
Held

KeyParticipants

Type1

District Secretariat 01 June, President District Coordinating Committee, A

OfficeHambantota 2013
Parliament member Hambantota District,
ChairmenUrbanCouncilsandPradeshiaSabas,
Membersof UrbanCouncilsandPradeshiaSabas,
Officers from District Secretariat office, Divisional
Secretaries from Lunugamwehera, Embilipitiya,
Thangalle, Angunakolapellessa, Weeraketiya,
Beliatta, Ambalantota, Sooriyawewa, Grama
Niladaries from respective GNDs, Field level
officers from DSDs, Officers from relevant
stakeholder institutions like NHDA, Divisional
Irrigation Department, Department of Land
Development,DepartmentofValuation,SriLanka
Ports Authority, Mattala Airport, Department of
Archeology, Sri Lanka Investment Board Koggala,
NWS&DB, Sri Lanka Telecom Hambantota,
Divisional Irrigation Office Weeraketiya, CEB,
Agrarian Service Hambantota, Sri Lanka Town
Development Authority, Department of wildlife
conservation Lunugamwehera, Department of
Police,OfficersfromRDAetc.

Type1

RahulaCollage
Matara

8July,
2013

Minister Ports & Highways, Minister of

Education Southern Province, Minister of
Investment, Deputy Minister for Public

190

Meeting
Type

Venue

Dates
Held

KeyParticipants

Administration, Political leaders of Southern

Provincial Council, Mayor Matara Municipal
Council, Chairmen of Pradeshia Sabas, District
Secretary (work), Secretary Ports and &
Highways, An Engineer from Irrigation
Department,ElectricalEngineerfromCEB,District
DirectorSouthernDevelopmentAuthority,Deputy
Valuer (Government), Senior Superintendent of
Survey , Assistant land Commissioner, Director
Land Ministry of Land, Regional Director of
HealthServices,DistrictManagerNHDA,Officer
from Archeological Department , Officer from
ForestDepartment,OfficerfromNBRO,Officersof
RDA,KeyOfficialsfromDSDsaswellasfieldlevel
staffofDSDs
Type1

DistrictSecretariat
Office,Matara

13
Septembe
r,2013

Minister for youth affairs and skills development,

Deputy Minister for Public Administration,
Political leaders of Southern Provincial Council,
Mayor Matara Municipal Council, Chairmen of
Pradeshia Sabas, District Secretary (work),
Secretary Ports and & Highways, Director
General, RDA, engineers from RDA, Key Officials
from DSDs as well as field level staff of DSDs and
representativesofFBOs

Type2

Alongthetrace

5to7
June,
2013

1.Publicwithintheprojectareaandother
interestedparties

45July,
2013

Type3

Agrarian
Development
Department,
Irrigation

2.EnvironmentSpecialist
3.ResettlementSpecialist
4.Sociologist

23July,
2013

5.StaffofESDDivision

11July,
2013

1.CommissionerGeneral,AgrarianDevelopment
Department

15July,

2.ConservatorGeneral,ForestDepartment

191

Meeting
Type

Venue

Dates
Held

Department,Central 2013
Environmental
Authority,Mahaweli 24July,
AuthorityandForest 2013
Department

KeyParticipants

3.DeputyDirector,WildlifeConservation
Department
4.ChiefEngineer(Environment),Irrigation
Department
5.EngineeringAssistant,EnvironmentOfficer,Sri
LankaMahaweliAuthority
6.ConsultantstaffofRDA

8.2.Information Disclosure
Informationdisclosuretoallrelevantstakeholdersisveryessentialforthesuccessfulimplementationof
the projectandduring themeetingmentionedabove,the detailsoftheprojectwasfully disclosedto
publicthroughpresentations,maps,figuresandexplanationsatthesiteitself.Allpublicquestionswere
answered as far as possible during the three meetings at district secretory level and subsequent DSD
levelmeetings.
For the local level awareness, leaflets printed in local languages were used and distributed among all
participants participated at meetings. The distributed leaflet is presented in annex 8.3. Further
disclosure of information on the project will be conducted at various stages of the project (as done
beforeopeningofKottawaGallesectionofSEW).

8.3.Summary of stakeholder and line agency views

Doubts exist about the land area affected and the method of compensation. However RDA
officialsexplainedtothemthata150mcorridorhasbeenselected.Butitdoesnotmeanthatall
theareawithinthiscorridorwillbeacquiredandstructureswithinthiscorridorwillbeaffected.
Timing of the project was another question raise by the participants of the three awareness
meetingsheldunderthesupervisionofrespectivedistrictsecretariats.
Publicintheprojectareaareinfavouroftheprojectespeciallyastheimpactontheirresidential
landsisless.However,RDAexplainedthatalternatelandswillbeprovidedtoallthosewhowill
bedevouredfromtheirresidentiallands.
Providing adequate access roads was also a concern of the public who participated for these
meetingandthosewhowereinterviewedduringthestudy.
Concerns on compensation were addressed by RDA through developing a resettlement action
planwithaprojectspecificentitlementmatrix.
Most of the people welcomed the construction of first few kilometers of the expressway on
pierswhichwillminimizeanyfloodissueintheNilwalafloodplane.

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Officials from Mahaweli Authority, Irrigation Department and Agrarian Development

Departmentrequestedtostudytheexistingirrigationanddrainagefacilitiesintheprojectarea
andtoavoidanyunduedamagetostructures.Therecommendationswhichwillbeforwarded
bytheselineagenciesshouldbeconsideredduringthedetaildesignsoftheproject.
According the information from DWLC the proposed trace for the SEW extension will pass
throughAndarawewaMERwhichneedsspecialmitigationmeasures.
As per the initial concerns of Forest Department, Dandeniya forest area should be avoided as
muchaspossible(whichhasbeenalreadyaccountedintheinitialdesigns).

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9. Conclusion and recommendation

TheGoSLintendstoextendtheSEWfromMatara(Godagama)toMattalaatHambantotaviaBeliatta.
AfterthescopingmeetingheldatCEAtheprojectwascategorizedasaprescribedprojectrequiringan
EIA. As per the request of RDA the CEA has forwarded two separate TORs; first for the section from
MataratoBeliattaandsecondfromBeliattatoMattala.WithchangeinscopewithinBeliattatoMattala
section(i.e.droppingofacombinedrailwaylineandexpressway)itwasdecidedtoprepareasingleEIA
reportcoveringtherequirementsofthetwoTORs.
This is the combined EIA report for the proposed extension of southern expressway from Matara to
MattalawhichisbasedonthetwoTORs.TheEIAstudywascarriedoutbyateamofexpertsindifferent
disciplinesrequiredforthisstudy.ExpertknowledgeonHydrologicalanalysiswasobtainedfromLanka
HydraulicInstituteLtd.

9.1.Conclusions
The proposed expressway extension falling between Godagama and Dandeniya had to be studied in
depthwithrespecttohydrologicalaspect.ItisbecausethefloodplaneofNilwalariverandmanyofits
tributariesarelocatedinthissection.Anetworkofirrigationanddrainagecanalscouldalsobeobserved
within this section. From ecological point of view there is a bird sanctuary known as the Kirala kele
sanctuarylocatedwithinthisarea.Thereforefour(4)routeoptionswereconsideredwithinthissection
includingthetraceproposedbyUniversityofMoratuwainyear2007andthederivedtrace.Finallyit
was decided to follow route option 1 which is more on high ground at the upper reaches of Nilwala
flood plane which mostly avoids the 100 year flood contour of Nilwala river. It also avoids the bird
sanctuaryarea.
ThehydrologicalaspectwillnotbemuchsignificantfromBeliattatoMattalamainlyduetothereason
thatthereareonlyafewnaturalstreamslocatedwithinthissectionoftheprojectarea.Outofthese
rivers/ streams the Walawe river could be considered important with respect to hydrological aspect.
From ecological point of view Madunagala sanctuary is located close to the proposed trace and at
chainage68+000itisabout500mfromonelimboftheinterchange(SooriyawewaIC).
ImpactonDandeniyaforestreservewasminimizedbyreroutingthetraceoutwardsfromthecorearea
oftheforestthroughwhichthetraceofyear2007wasplaced.Thenewtracewithinchainage15+000to
18+000nowpassesthroughanareawhichhasbeeninfluencedbyhumanactivity.
TheneedofresettlementorphysicaldisplacementofHHshasalsobeengreatlyreducedbyplacingthe
expresswaytraceoverpaddyfields,otheragriculturallandsandhomegardens.However,reductionof
agricultural land will be a negative impact that needs to be mitigated as it will affect the income of
farmers,agriculturelabourersinprojectarea.
Impacts on HHs especially those who live within the proposed ROW or acquisition corridor could be
considered as the most significant impact regarding the social environment. Physical and economical
displacement of HHs needs to be addressed at an acceptable level to the affected HHs before
commencementofconstructionwork.
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Environmental cost for this section of trace was calculated based on the three (3) most significant
environmentalimpacts(i.e.impactonhydrology,landuseandresettlement).Theconstructioncostfor
entireexpresswayextensionisestimatedatSLR.174.9Billion.Itisanticipatedthatthecostofmitigation
ofenvironmentalimpacts(excludingresettlementcost)willbeintherangeof10~15%ofconstruction
cost(about26.2BillionSLR).
ConsideringthepresentsectionofSEW(fromKottawatoGodagama)theenvironmentalissueswithin
theproposedextensiontotheexpresswaywillbeatalesserdegree.Thisismainlybecauseamajorpart
of the trace from Matara to Mattala will be located in the intermediate zone (IL1 and IL3) and on
undulatingtoflatterrain(especiallyafterDandeniyaforestarea)orbeyondchainage20+000.
ItisimportantthatconstructionofBeliattatoMattalasectionoftheexpresswayextensioniscarriedout
paralleltotheconstructionofMataratoBeliattasectionofSEWextension.Suchtimingwillallowthe
entire length of the expressway extension to be completed at same time and yield a significant
contributiontothelocaleconomyaswellasthecountryseconomy.CompletionoftheSEWextension
will create a fast access to people living within the project influential area to reach Colombo the
economiccapitalofthecountry.

9.2.Recommendations
Itisimportantthatexistingirrigationcanalsanddrainagefacilitiesaremaintainedintheprojectarea.In
thisrespectitisimportanttoconsiderrequirementsstipulatedbyDepartmentofIrrigationandAgrarian
DevelopmentDepartmentintodetaildesignsandcontractdocumentsoftheproject.
The social assessment including the census survey which was carried out in parallel to this EIA study
needstobecompletedsoastoprepareaRAPinlinewiththerequirementsofNIRP.ThisRAPshouldbe
anattachmenttotheLAproposalsubmittedtoMinistryofLandandLandDevelopment.TheRAPwill
alsoprovideguidancetoRDAoneligibilityandcompensationfordifferenttypesofHHsaffectedbythe
project.
Construction of expressway on viaduct within selected stretches in the first 13 km of trace and
consideringotherrecommendationsofthehydrologicalstudyreportintodetaildesignsisimportantto
minimize hydrological impacts within the first 13 km of trace within Nilwala river basin. It is also
recommendedthattherecommendationsofthehydrologicalstudybeenconsideredduringthedesign
ofstructures(culverts,bridgesandotherdrainagefacilities).
RDAshouldobtainassistanceofForestDepartmentandDWLCincarryinganyfurthertransectsurveys
withinDandeniyaAparekkaforestreserveduringthedetaileddesignstageoftheproject.Information
from such transects should be used in determining plant species that would be planted under a
compensatoryreplantingprogramme.
ItisalsorecommendedthattheEMPandEMoPfortheprojectisupdatedinthedetaildesignstageand
incorporatedintorespectivetenderdocuments.

195

10.

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CentralBankAnnualReport,2012

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StatisticalHandbook,2011ofDepartmentofCensusandStatistics

IUCNTheWorldConservationUnionandtheWorldConservationMonitoringCentrefortheFAO
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The National Red List (2012) of Sri Lanka, conservation status of the fauna and flora.
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Senarathne, L.K. (2001). A checklist of the flowering plants of Sri Lanka. National Science.
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WildlifeconservationsocietyGalle,(2009).ThestudyofthefaunaldiversityinMataraDistrict
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TheNationalAtlasofSriLanka(SecondEdition),(2007),SurveyDepartmentofSriLanka

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