The Government has expedited ongoing activities under the World Bank-funded Integrated Watershed and Water Resources Management Project (IWWRMP), a five-year initiative launched in May 2021 and scheduled to conclude in October 2026. The project, supported by a USD 70.03 million grant from the International Development Association and USD 0.5 million from the Sri Lankan Government, aims to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and groundwater management across the country.
Speaking to the Sunday Observer, Project Director and Senior Engineer Lalith Wijerathna said that the project has made notable progress, with key irrigation schemes such as Senanayake Samudraya, Akathimuruppu, and Nagadeepa tanks undergoing rehabilitation. Completed works include improvements to several tanks and schemes across the country at a cost exceeding Rs. 2,600 million.
Additionally, Rs. 2,860 million has been allocated for 15 new development works set to begin this year, including upgrades to the Minneriya main canal and Lunugamwehera reservoir bund. The project is also supporting the Water Resources Board to develop integrated groundwater management plans for eight pilot basins, with the aim of ensuring long-term water sustainability in Sri Lanka.
Wijerathna said that the IWWRMP not only addresses current infrastructure gaps but also plays a critical role in climate adaptation by improving the country’s capacity to manage water during prolonged droughts and floods. He said that the project’s holistic approach—combining physical upgrades with scientific resource planning—marks a vital step towards building climate-resilient agricultural communities.
As the country continues to face growing water-related challenges driven by climate change, population growth, and agricultural demand, authorities stress the importance of scaling up such collaborative, donor-funded efforts. The Ministry of Irrigation said that the success of the IWWRMP could pave the way for more international partnerships to address Sri Lanka’s future water security and food sovereignty goals.
