Anuradhapura, 29 August 2026 – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today undertook a pivotal inspection visit to the Lower Malwathu Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project, signaling a renewed push to expedite this vital undertaking poised to significantly enhance the Rajarata irrigation system and bring multifaceted benefits across several districts.
The President’s visit this morning focused on a comprehensive review of the project’s progress, which, despite commencing a decade ago, had faced considerable delays. Under the current government’s strategic focus on national infrastructure, work has been vigorously re-commenced, with a substantial allocation of Rs. 5 billion earmarked for 2026. This entirely domestically funded project is now on an accelerated path, with a target completion date set for the end of 2029.
Transformative Scale and Scope
The Lower Malwathu Oya Reservoir, a cornerstone of the project, is being meticulously constructed by damming the Malwathu Oya at Bogoda in Thanthirimale. This strategic location bridges the Anuradhapura District in the North Central Province with the Vavuniya District in the Northern Province. Upon its completion, the reservoir is projected to boast a formidable water storage capacity of 169,400 acre-feet, positioning it as the largest reservoir within the North Central Province.
Widespread Benefits for Regional Development
The project’s impact is far-reaching and promises a permanent solution to critical regional challenges:
- Drinking Water Security: A reliable supply of drinking water for residents in the Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, and Mannar districts.
- Agricultural Prosperity: Supplying essential water for rural development and agriculture within the lower Malwathu Oya basin. Crucially, it will enable the cultivation of all 40,000 acres of paddy land under the Yodha Wewa and Akathimuruppu Wewa irrigation schemes in Mannar District during both the Yala and Maha seasons, a significant increase from the current 10,000 acres cultivated during Yala due to water shortages.
- Economic Growth: Establishing a new development zone in the Thanthirimale area, fostering tourism, and promoting freshwater fisheries.
- Energy Generation: Generating hydroelectricity to contribute to the national grid.
- Flood Mitigation: Providing effective flood control measures in the region.
Presidential Directives and Community Focus
During his visit, President Dissanayake engaged in extensive discussions with project officials, scrutinizing construction progress, identifying emerging issues, and assessing current challenges and requirements. He underscored the imperative of expediting construction work to ensure that the project’s numerous benefits are delivered to the people without undue delay.
A significant focus of the President’s attention was directed towards the concerns of the 315 families who will be displaced by the project. He issued clear instructions for the government to provide these affected families with essential land and houses, fully equipped with electricity and a reliable drinking water supply. Furthermore, he mandated support for these families to engage in smart agricultural practices on their newly allocated land, utilizing modern solar-powered lift irrigation systems, ensuring their sustainable resettlement and livelihood.
Construction Milestones and Future Endeavors
Project officials provided the President with an update on the construction milestones achieved. Approximately 60% of the 3.4-kilometer-long main dam has now been completed, while the structural components of the right-bank sluice are also finalized. Work has commendably commenced on the foundation excavation and rock blasting for a power plant, which is an integral component of the project. Complementary activities include the construction of an elephant fence, the rehabilitation of minor tanks, and the establishment of an archaeological museum, enriching the project’s environmental and cultural scope.
Endorsement from Religious Leaders
The inspection was also attended by the Chief Incumbent of the historic Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya and Deputy Chief Sanghanayake of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, Ven. Thanthirimale Chandrarathana Nayaka Thero. The Venerable Thero praised the President for his unprecedented attention to the project, noting that no previous Head of State had shown such consistent monitoring and guidance from the outset. He extended his appreciation for the President’s dedication to the successful completion of the project and offered his blessings for all future endeavors.
A host of dignitaries were present during the visit, including 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. Project officials, led by Chief Project Director Anura Nelugolla, were also in attendance, providing detailed briefings.
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