A controversy has erupted after a gate on the Nuwara Wewa embankment was opened for Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe and his entourage during a recent inspection, only to be closed by irrigation officials afterwards.

During the inspection, it was noted that a gate to the road crossing the Nuwara Wewa embankment was closed.

An official then opened it, allowing the Deputy Minister and his group to enter the area.

However, upon their attempt to exit, irrigation officials reportedly closed the gate, trapping them.

Deputy Minister Ranasinghe and Member of Parliament Sena Nanayakkara commented on the incident during a programme at the North Central Provincial Council.

Meanwhile, Anuradha Tennakoon, Chairman of the National Farmers' Union, stated that all farmer organisations object to the opening of the gate.

P.B. Dissanayake, Director General of the North Central Province Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture, explained that the road leading to the Nuwara Wewa embankment was closed about 20 years ago due to anticipated LTTE threats.

He noted that despite requests to reopen it, irrigation officials have maintained a silent policy.

When questioned, Anuradhapura Zonal Irrigation Director Engineer Jayantha de Silva stated that an investigation into the embankment has been ongoing for about two months.

He added that the investigation is being conducted across three aspects under the supervision of Additional Irrigation Director Engineer Dr K. Weligepola.

A decision on whether to reopen the embankment will be made after receiving the investigation report.