Rehabilitation work commences on Uma Ela irrigation project

Colombo, May 28 (Daily Mirror) - The Irrigation Department has commenced permanent rehabilitation work on the Uma Ela Great Irrigation Project at a cost of Rs. 228.6 million, aiming to provide long-term relief to farmers and strengthen agricultural activities in the region.

Officials said steps had also been taken to resume controlled water releases from December 12, 2025, carried out through a large-scale labour operation to ensure that future farming activities of farmers in the area would not be disrupted.

The rehabilitation project is expected to improve water management and irrigation reliability in the region, supporting paddy cultivation and other agricultural activities dependent on the system.

The project launch event was attended by several political representatives, including Badulla District Parliamentarians Sudath Balagalla and Ravindra Bandara, along with the Chairman of the Uva Paranagama Pradeshiya Sabha and local political representatives.

Also present were the Badulla District Irrigation Director, senior officials, and farmers from the surrounding areas, who welcomed the long-awaited rehabilitation work.

Authorities said the initiative marks a significant investment in restoring and modernising key irrigation infrastructure to support agricultural sustainability in the district.