FAQ

MWSIP is an ADB-assisted government program in Sri Lanka to improve the water infrastructure facilities to divert Mahaweli water to the water-short northern parts of the North Central and North Western Province of Sri Lanka. MWSIP implements three major projects; the Upper Elahera Canal Project (UECP), North Western Province Canal Project (NWPCP) and Minipe Left Bank Canal Project (MLBCRP).

1. 7,500 hectare of agricultural lands under the 74 km long Minipe Left Bank Canal, which starts from Minipe Anicut located in Central Province.
2. More than 12,000 hectare of irrigable lands in northern part of the North Western Province.
3. Command area under Eruwewa, Manankatiyawewa Mannakkattiya wewa, Huruluwewa, and Mahakanadarawa tanks in North Central Province.

• Upper Elehera Canal Project will feed Mahakanadarawa, Huruluwewa, Mannakkattiya, Eruwewa, and Nachchaduwa wewa tanks.
• North Western Province Canal Project (NWPCP) will feed Mahakithula, Mahakirula, Hakwatuna Oya, Ataragalla, Mahadambe, Abakolawewa, Palukadawala, Mediyawa, Potuwila wewa and nearly 300 more miner tanks in Mee-Oya basin.
• Minipe Left Bank Canal Rehabilitation Project will feed kandurupitiya tank.

Necessary environmental assessments and studies have been carried out within the feasibility studies of the Program. Central Environmental Authority and ADB have granted approval and clearance for the projects in respect of environmental safeguards. Environmental Management Plans have been developed for the each project. An Environment Safeguard Unit has been formed within the Program to oversee the project activities accordingly

Yes, This is addressed under two components comprising lands acquisition and resettlement/relocation. The component of land acquisition is implemented by Divisional Secretaries (DS) with the assistance of other agencies, whereas resettlement is directly handled by Program Management Unit & Project Implementation Units. However responsibility for both aspects is held mainly by PIUs with the support of PMU.

Grievance Redress Committee (GRCs) are established at different levels in order to resolve complaints or issues that may be presented by the PAPs. The established GRCs are,

• GRC at Grama Niladhari (GN) level
• GRC at DS level
• GRC at PIU level
• National level (ministry level)

Program Affected Persons (PAPs) in the villages can complain to the GRC at Grama Niladari level. If the complaint cannot be resolved at the GN level, it will be submitted to the next level for resolution.

A 26.7K.M long tunnel section is to be constructed under Upper Elahera Canal Project. The tunnel route crosses very few residential areas. The route is mainly in forest areas and some barren lands. Nevertheless, detailed feasibility and design studies have been carried out to identify the tunnel route and possible impacts. Based on the studies, measures have been identified to minimize the possible social and environmental impacts. Carefully chosen construction methods for tunneling will have minimum social and environmental impacts.

In accordance with the Right to Information Act 12 of 2016, the following individuals have been designated as authorized officers to facilitate information requests regarding MWSIP:

Designated Officer 01: Eng. Nihal Siriwardhana – Contact: 011 267 5811
Information Officer: Eng. Ranjith de Silva – Contact: 011 267 5882
Should you have any inquiries or require information pertaining to MWSIP, please feel free to reach out to the respective officers listed above.