Anuradhapura will benefit from a major drinking water supply initiative, with the Government of Japan reaffirming its commitment to ensure the sustainable operation of water projects in the district. Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, outlined Japan’s dedication to not only launch development projects but also ensure its long-term functionality.
The Ambassador was speaking during an inspection tour of the Anuradhapura North Mega Drinking Water Supply Scheme, being implemented with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
He said that Japan would monitor the project’s operational activities to guarantee uninterrupted services for residents.
Project Director, Engineer Sudath Rathnayaka said clean drinking water is being supplied to around 115,600 people in the Rambewa and Madawachchiya Divisional Secretariat areas under the first phase of the project. This is facilitated through nearly 8,000 water connections.
The project is primarily funded by the Japanese Government, which has provided a grant of Rs. 5,166 million, while the Sri Lankan Government has contributed Rs. 2,789 million towards its completion. The primary water source for the project is the Mahakanadarawa reservoir in the Mihintale Divisional Secretariat area, which has a capacity of 36,250 acre-feet. Officials said that 99 percent of the Anuradhapura North Mahakanadarawa Water Project has already been completed.
During the visit, concerns were raised by local farmers over the reduction in irrigation water from the Mahakanadarawa reservoir due to its use in the drinking water project.
Farmers cultivating about 7,000 acres in the area expressed fears that they might not receive adequate water for cultivation.
To address this issue, Project Director Rathnayaka said that additional water would be provided to the Mahakanadarawa reservoir from the Moragahakanda reservoir in future, ensuring a fair distribution of resources between agricultural and domestic needs.
Anuradhapura district Parliamentarian Susantha Kumara Navarathna called upon the Japanese delegation to support the modernisation of the Mahakanadarawa tank’s aging canal system. He outlined the farmers’ interest in adopting Japanese agricultural technology to enhance paddy and crop cultivation.
Anuradhapura Government Agent Ranjith Wimalasooriya commended JICA’s contributions to address the drinking water crisis in the district.
He said that JICA’s involvement is particularly crucial in combatting the rising prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu), which has been linked to the scarcity of safe drinking water in the region.
Beyond the Mahakanadarawa water scheme, JICA is also extending financial assistance of 23,137 million Yen for the construction of a mega water project based on the Yan Oya reservoir. This initiative aims to provide clean drinking water to nearly 170,951 residents through 50,000 water connections across Padaviya, Horowpothana, Kahatagasdigiliya, and Kebithigollewa Divisional Secretariat areas.
The Japanese Government’s continued investment in Sri Lanka’s water infrastructure highlights its commitment to improving access to safe drinking water, ensuring public health, and supporting sustainable development in the Anuradhapura district.
