Rs. 2,500 m for irrigation in conflict-hit villages

Anura Maitipe

The re-awakening project launched by the Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Ministry with World Bank financial assistance has provided Rs. 2,500 million to upgrade livelihood activities, irrigation and rural infrastructure facilities in conflict affected areas in the North and the East and Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Puttalam and Moneragala.

Under this programme, 300 villages in the North and the East and adjoining districts will be developed with the participation of the community in these areas.

Project Director P. H. Sugathadasa said, unlike other projects, it was residents in the area who will plan and design the project. The funds for these projects will be directly transferred to village organisations in the respective villages.

Four major irrigation schemes, Allai, Rugam, Karavahu and Giant Tank have also been implemented. Under the Allai scheme, over 1,200 acres of neglected land in Mavilaru will be reclaimed for cultivation and part of it has already been cultivated by farmers.

With the completion of the other three projects, another 800 acres will be provided with irrigation facilities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.