Work on Uma Oya Development Project to Resume on June 23

Construction work on the Uma Oya Lower Valley Development Project, which had previously been stalled, will resume on June 23, Ministry of Lands and Irrigation announced yesterday.   

 Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe said that a total of Rs. 5 billion has been allocated for irrigation development projects in the Monaragala District. He added that projects under this allocation will be initiated in line with the planned budget.   

 The Uma Oya project is considered a significant development for the region, aimed at improving irrigation and supporting agriculture in the lower valley area.   

The project encompasses the construction of two reservoirs at Puhulpola and Dyraaba, a conveyance tunnel (Link Tunnel) spanning 3.98 kilometers to connect the two reservoirs, a 15.2-kilometer-long Head Race Tunnel, Surge Shaft, Pressure Shaft, Underground Powerhouse, Switchyard, Transmission line, Tailrace Tunnel, and related infrastructure.   

Pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) executed between Sri Lanka and Iran on 27 November 2007, the Cabinet of Ministers had approved the execution of the contract agreement between the executing agency, Ministry of Irrigation and Water Management of Sri Lanka and Farab Energy and Water Projects (Farab Company) of Iran dated 28 April 2008 to implement the UOMDP by Farab Company, as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.   

The total contract sums amount to USD 514 million and the contract became effective on 15 March 2010. Initially, the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) funded USD 50 million until 2013. However, due to international sanctions on Iran, they were unable to continue providing funds for the project. Therefore, the Sri Lankan government decided to proceed with the project using government funds while continuing with the same contractor, Farab Company.