The university basically uses waters of Hirikatu Oya for its requirements, in addition to well water from the vicinity being supplied by four bowsers.

However, this water supply is not adequate for the nearly 4,000 students of the university.

The most serious issue here is that the purification system through which the waters of Hirikatu Oya are channeled is in a very dilapidated state.

Students say the water is not fit for drinking purposes.

Manoj Ariyaratne of the university’s students union told SLM that the purification system, built for the Samanala Wewa project, was more than 21 years old and is not functioning.

Only chlorine is added and the water is not purified properly, he said, adding that many students have problems of kidney stones.

Ariyaratne said they have sent a water sample for testing and the actual condition of the water will soon be known.

He urged relevant authorities to provide a lasting solution to the water issue of Sabaragamua University.