President Anura Kumara Dissanayake undertook an inspection visit to the Lower Malwathu Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project this morning (29) to review the progress of the project, which is set to become another major reservoir development contributing to the Rajarata irrigation system.
The project, which commenced 10 years ago, was subsequently stalled due to various reasons. Under the present Government, work on the project has been recommenced, with Rs. 5 billion allocated for 2026. Construction has since been expedited by addressing the issues that had emerged and the project, which is being implemented entirely with domestic funding, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029.
The Lower Malwathu Oya Reservoir is being constructed by damming the Malwathu Oya at Bogoda in Thanthirimale, linking the Anuradhapura District in the North Central Province with the Vavuniya District in the Northern Province. With a water storage capacity of 169,400 acre-feet, the reservoir will become the largest in the North Central Province upon completion.
The project is expected to provide a permanent solution to the drinking water needs of people in the Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Mannar districts, supply water required for rural development and agriculture in the lower Malwathu Oya basin, establish a new development zone in the Thanthirimale area, generate hydroelectricity, control floods and promote tourism industry and freshwater fisheries.
Furthermore, although 40,000 acres in the Sahal Neliya area of the Mannar District, under the Yodha Wewa and Akathimuruppu Wewa irrigation schemes, are cultivated during the Maha season, only around 10,000 acres are currently cultivated during the Yala season due to water shortages. With the completion of this reservoir, all 40,000 acres of paddy land will be able to be cultivated during both the Yala and Maha seasons.
During the visit, the President held discussions with project officials and reviewed the progress of construction, as well as the issues, challenges and requirements that have emerged during the implementation of the project. He emphasised the need to expedite the construction work and ensure that the benefits of the project are delivered to the people without delay.
The President also paid special attention to the concerns of the people who will be displaced by the project. He instructed that the Government provide the 315 affected families with land and houses equipped with electricity and a drinking water supply, and that they be supported in engaging in smart agricultural practices on the allocated land using solar-powered lift irrigation systems.
Officials informed the President that approximately 60% of the construction of the 3.4 kilometre-long main dam has now been completed, while the structural components of the right-bank sluice have also been completed. A power plant is also being constructed under the project, with work already commenced on foundation excavation and rock blasting. Other activities being undertaken include the construction of an elephant fence, rehabilitation of minor tanks and the establishment of an archaeological museum.
The Chief Incumbent of the historic Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya and Deputy Chief Sanghanayake of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, Ven. Thanthirimale Chandrarathana Nayaka Thero was also present on the occasion. He noted that no previous Head of State had paid such close attention to the project and commended the President for his continued efforts to monitor its progress and provide the necessary guidance from the outset. He also expressed his appreciation for the President’s contribution towards the successful completion of the project and conveyed his blessings for all future activities.
Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Susil Ranasinghe, Members of Parliament Professor Sena Nanayakkara and Susantha Navaratne, representatives of the Maha Vilachchiya Pradeshiya Sabha, other public representatives and government officials from the area together with project officials including Chief Project Director Anura Nelugolla were present on the occasion.
