The US$ 513 million Uma Oya multipurpose development project is poised to be unveiled to the public by the end of this month.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed Irrigation, Wildlife, and Forest Conservation Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi to expedite the work. Construction work on the project started in 2011 to enhance hydropower capabilities and irrigate around 25,000 acres of paddy lands within the South-Eastern region of the central highlands.
Minister Wanniarachchi reviewed the project’s progress on Friday at the Irrigation Ministry.
The Minister who outlined the project’s mechanics detailed how the water stored in the Puhulpola and Diabara reservoirs will be harnessed to generate hydroelectricity, contributing 120 MW to the national grid. The process involves channelling water through a 23-kilometre tunnel to reach two turbines underground. The water will then be redirected to Alikota Aara, Handapanagala and the Kuda Oya reservoirs, to irrigate about 20,000 acres of old and new paddy fields. The irrigation scheme will support agricultural activities throughout the year, catering to the Yala and Maha seasons. The project will also address the pressing issue of drinking water scarcity in the Badulla and Moneragala districts. By using the water resources effectively, it seeks to ensure a sustainable water supply for the local communities, she said.
Construction work on the Uma Oya Multipurpose project commenced in 2011, at an estimated cost of US$ 513 million to be financed through a loan from Iran.
However, due to the economic challenges stemming from sanctions imposed on Iran, the funding for the project faced some uncertainties. Despite this, the project received an initial installment of US$ 50 million for it to proceed.
Despite numerous challenges, including financial constraints, the Government remained committed to advancing the project. Funds were allocated from the Treasury for the construction work on the Uma Oya multi-purpose project to ensure its continuity.
State Minister of Irrigation and Water Supply Shasheendra Rajapaksa, State Minister of Mahaweli Development Lohan Ratwatte, and Irrigation Ministry Secretary Saman Darshana Pandikorala, were also present.
