Tank renovation project

A mega tank renovation project was inaugurated recently at the historic Parakrama Samudra. The project costing Rs. 7,500 million, which is to be carried out with World Bank-funding, includes the reconstruction of sluices, wave-breaks and the splits of 32 dams.

The project comprises the renovation of the Parakrama Samudra, Minneriya, Kaudulla, Giritale, Nachchaduwa, Rajangana, Tissa wewa, Nuwara wewa, Hurulu wewa, Kantale, Vendrasankulam, Nalanda, Kandalama, Inginimitiya, Thabbowa, Ridiyagama, Chandrika wewa, Victoria, Kotmale, Bowatenna, Polgolla, Randenigala, Rantembe, Kalawewa, Usgala Siyambalangamuwa, Castlereigh, Canyon, Laxapana, Norton and Kalatuwewa reservoirs. Steps will also be taken to upgrade and modernise the Hydro Meteorological Information Systems, so that the development and management of water resources within the country can be improved.

Sixteen of the above-mentioned reservoirs come under the purview of the Irrigation Department, 11 under the Mahaweli Authority and four under the Ceylon Electricity Board. The Kalatuwewa reservoir is under the purview of the Water Supply and Drainage Board.