An Asian Development Bank (ADB) mission, led by Mr. Sanath Ranawana, principal water resource specialist and comprised of seven members, visited project sites on September 18th and 19th, 2023, to assess progress and monitor the development of the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program (MWSIP).
During the inspection, the mission visited various construction and agricultural sites. The team commenced their visit at the northern portal site of a 28-kilometer long tunnel, a key component of the North Central Province Canal Project (NCPCP). The inspection included a operation of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for the excavation of the underground tunnel and an assessment of the disposal process for mucking materials, and other site operations. This inspection was preceded by a brief meeting with site officials.
In addition to the northern portal site, the delegation also inspected the southern portal site situated in Konduruwawa, Elahera. The second TBM, set to initiate tunnel excavation from the southern end, underwent thorough inspection by the mission team.
The delegation allocated time to observe ongoing agricultural practices as part of the recently initiated pilot project under the MWSIP, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. The inspection included visits to matured maize plots, big onion cultivations, Polytunnels, and rain shelters. Project beneficiary farmers were engaged in insightful discussions, exchanging ideas with Mission members. This agricultural component is implemented by the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.
Among the ADB delegation were Ms. Manjula Amerasinghe, Unit Head of Portfolio Management, Mr. Dennis Lopez, Senior Project Officer, Ms. Crishanthi Dabare, Associate Project Officer, Mr. Saranga Gajasinghe, Safeguards Officer, Mr. Randall Jones, Economic Specialist, and Ms. Yaozhou Zhou, Principal Water Resources Specialist.
They were joined by Mr. U.D.C.Jayalal, Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation , Engineer Mr. Nihal Siriwardena, Program Director of MWSIP, Engineer Mr. Ranjith De Silwa , Deputy Program Director, and senior officials from the Program Management Unit of MWSIP and Program Implementation Unit of NCPCP during this insightful visit.
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