Gal Oya Valley Scheme, American Participation & Downstream Development

  Courtesy Transactions of the Institute of Engineers

    Entrance to Gal Oya National Park From Loris Magazine Vol. VII No. 3 June 1956   National Park and Wild Life Sanctuaries in the Gal Oya Valley By R. W. SZECHOWYCZ, DSc. (Eng.) Courtesy Andreas Szechowycz, Roman’s son Introduction HYDRO-ELECTRICITY combined with i rrigation is a tool of modern progress. At the same time this progress is responsible for the destruction of the natural association of plants and animals which has established itself during centuries past. Effects of such schemes on nature vary according to locality, and although irrigation means more agriculture and hence bigger forest clearings, the effect on the balance of nature is estimated nearly always to be favourable. Such schemes benefit h uman economy, diminish floods, create beauti ful artificial reservoirs, improve the micro- `lima, provide suitable conditions for aquatic birds and the angler, and help tourism. They promote aquatic sports and provide water— without which plant and animal life