COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is accelerating the rehabilitation of small-scale irrigation infrastructure as dry weather continues to affect farming areas and authorities prepare for rains expected later in the year, local news outlet The Morning reported.
The government has allocated 1 billion Sri Lankan rupees (about 3 million U.S. dollars) for work this year under a three-year, 3-billion-rupee program aimed at improving water retention and strengthening irrigation systems.
Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation Aravinda Senarath said the government plans to complete 100 projects this year, with 10 projects in each selected district. The work covers small tanks, canals and anicuts managed by the Department of Agrarian Development.
The program began in Mullaitivu on July 1 and has since expanded to Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Hambantota and Puttalam. Work in Monaragala is expected to begin shortly.
The restoration effort comes as paddy farmers in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, and Uva Provinces face difficulties due to prolonged dry conditions. Small tanks in most districts have dried up, while some larger reservoirs continue to hold water.
Authorities are seeking to complete rehabilitation work before rainfall is expected, starting in late September or October, so that restored tanks can retain more water during the rainy period.
Senarath said drinking water supplied through the Mahaweli River system and water needed for cultivation were currently being managed without major disruption. Reservoir storage will be used cautiously over the next two months, with separate management plans in place for the Mahaweli and general irrigation systems. - Xinhua
