Mega irrigation and power projects under Mahinda Chinthanaya
 

by Anura Maitipe Moragahakanda

The construction of the last phase of the Mahaweli Scheme "the Morahagakanda reservoir" at a cost of Rs. 3.8 billion is the largest irrigation project that was undertaken under Mahinda Chinthanaya.

With the completion of this project over 7000 hectares of land in North Central, North and the East will be converted into irrigated agricultural lands and would increase agricultural produce by an additional 17 percent.

Walawe left bank

The last stage of Walawa Left Bank Project at a cost of Rs.7.5 billion has been completed under Mahinda Chinthanaya. And this project has created irrigation facilities for 12,000 hectares of State lands on the left bank of Walawe river.

Over 8700 farmer families in the Hambantota district were benefited out of this project. Under this scheme farmers could grow different crops to meet the need of local and export demand. Under this project dairy farming and fresh water fishing will also be developed by minimising the use of artificial chemicals and fertilisers.

Apart from this 25,000 agriculture-based small and medium scale industries will also be set up. Under this industrial project another 17,000 new employment opportunities will also be provided for the people.

With the completion of this project it will add another 22,000 metric tonnes of paddy, 45,000 metric tonnes of vegetables and fruits to the country's annual production.

Menik Ganga diversion

The Menik Ganga diversion project at a cost of Rs. 1200 million is another major irrigation project that was initiated under the Mahinda Chinthanaya that could enhance irrigation facilities of the failed Lunugamvehera Project.

Under this project over 1800 farmer families will be benefited in that area and this will increase agricultural output of Lunugamvehera by another 60 percent.

Deduru Oya diversion

The other major irrigation project under Mahinda Chinthanaya was Deduru Oya Diversion Project at a cost of Rs 1.3 billion and the construction work of this project has already commenced.

With the completion of this project over 4000 hectares of arid, non-cultivatable lands in Puttalam district will be converted into fertile irrigated lands. Under this project entire farming community in Puttalam district will be benefited.

Kerawalapitiya Power Plant

The construction of Kerawalapitiya power plant at a cost of Rs. 4000 million is in progress and this power plant has been undertaken jointly by the BPH International, Canada and Alenbaro Energy Cooperation USA on an agreement of Build, Operation and Transfer (BOT) basis and this project is scheduled to be completed within 14 months.

With the completion of this power plant another 300 megawatts will be added to the main grid by 2007. In addition to this, 300 new employment opportunities will also be created under this project.

Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Plant

The first stage of this project has been completed and 400 displaced families have been provided with new houses. The construction of tunnels have commenced and with the completion of this project another 800 mega watts will be added into main grid.

Sampur Coal Power Plant

The plant will be built with financial assistance from India. And preliminary report is being prepared and construction work will commence by 2007.

Hambantota Coal Power Plant

Hambantota Coal Power Project will also be implemented in 2006, which will generate another 800 MW.

With the completion of the coal power plants, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) would be able to generate electricity at a cost of Rs. 4.00 per unit. On the other hand the government will be able to save huge amount of money that has been spent on fuel for power generation.

In the same time the unit price of electricity will also be reduced for the benefit of consumers.

In addition to this, cabinet has approved project feasibility reports of Moragolla and Gin Ganga projects have already been prepared and these proposals have been submitted to the External Resources Department to obtain foreign assistance to commence these projects.

Power Generation Projects

President Mahinda Rajapaksa took a bold decision and decided to proceed with long awaited Coal Power Plants at Norochcholai, Trincomalee and Hambantota. This is a positive gesture towards increase of power generation in the country.

The construction of coal power plants at Norochcholai at a cost of Rs. 4.5 billion with financial assistance from China is in progress. The first stage has been completed. With the completion of this project it will contribute another 900 megawatts to the national grid.

And over 3000 employment opportunities will also be created, new roads will be constructed and with the flow of money into the hands of people their living standards will be upgraded as had happened under Mahaweli Project.

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