Completion of Iranamadu Reservoir Project:
Answer to North water problem
Discussions are underway with the Asian Development Bank to commence
the proposed Iranamadu Reservoir Project at a cost of Rs 220 billion,
Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas
Devananda said.
"With the completion of this project in three years, the water
problem in the North both for drinking and cultivation would cease to
exist," he said.
Devananda was speaking at a ceremony in Jaffna to mark the
commencement of Jaffna Kilinochchi Water Supply and Sanitation Project
by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the opening of
Jaffna District Water Supply and Drainage Board recently.
Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardene who visited
Jaffna, opened the Project Office with Minister Devananda. Minister
Devananda said that because President Mahinda Rajapaksa's promise and
effort, 643,459 in the North who suffered immensely due to the water
shortage would greatly benefit. Minister Gunawardene said the water
problem of the people of the North would be a thing of the past in three
years after completion of the Iranamadu Reservoir Project.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of rain water harvesting
through which a large quantity of water could be saved and utilized for
various purposes. A special program in this regard would be launched in
Jaffna in the future, he added. Rs 315 million has been set aside for
projects intended to solve the water problem of the people of the North.
"The National Water Supply and Drainage Board should work in close
relationship with the local bodies," he said.
Minister Gunawardene also visited Nagadeepa with Minister Devananda
and after having worshipped the Shrine, had talks with Nagadeepa
Buddhist Shrine Chief incumbent Ven Kadawedduwe Nandarama Thera and
promised to solve the water problem of the devotees within two weeks.
The Kaithady water project that had been completed with Rs 2 million
was opened by the two Ministers. |