Rambakan Oya irrigation project commissioned
Naalir Jamaldeen reporting from Rambakan Oya
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The Rambakan Oya Reservoir, constructed by Sri Lankan experts
was commissioned by President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday. The
reservoir became a landmark achievement in the country's
irrigation and water resources management sector as the entire
project was completed with local expertise and know-how. The
project commenced in 2007 under the Mahinda Chinthana vision and
the construction work had been completed at a cost of Rs. 3,970
million. Pic:Sudath Malaweera
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No room will be left to destruct the peace which was earned
sacrificing a large number of lives, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.
President Rajapaksa was addressing the public after commissioning the
Rambakan Oya reservoir project. He said the Mahinda Chintanaya national
development concept was formulated to identify the problems in the rural
area and to address them immediately.
The Rambakan Oya reservoir project was commissioned to find a lasting
solution to the drinking water issue and, irrigation problems as well.
President Rajapaksa said the Uva Province has been identified as one
of the provinces vulnerable to kidney diseases, and as such clean
drinking water was vital.
A large number of major and small scale reservoir development
projects are in progress.
The Government has given priority to develop the irrigation sector
the President said.
The people in this area suffered from floods and drought. During the
Samagi Peramuna, the construction of the Rambakan Oya was initiated but
was halted with the change of power in 1977.
You asked nothing except for water to facilitate the agriculture
sector, the President said.
The foundation stone to develop the Rambakan Oya reservoir project
was laid on February 12, 2007. The cost of the project was Rs 3,970
million and 3500 acres of land will come under the plough in the Maha
and Yala seasons. Irrigation and water resources Management Minister
Nimal Siripala de Silva said. |
