(VIDEO) Angry farmers march on Sri Lanka President's project launch

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Northern Water Supply Project, a $115 million initiative funded by Japan and the Sri Lankan government, was officially inaugurated by President Wickremesinghe despite facing protests from farmers within the Mahakanadarava movement.

The project aims to provide water to the Northern Province through a 65-kilometer canal and branching pipelines. While one branch is intended to supply both drinking and irrigation water to the Mahakanadarava region, farmers there fear the project will divert water before the connecting canal is complete, leading to shortages in their agricultural community.

Over 5,400 families rely on the Mahakanadarava reservoir and Eru Wewa for their agricultural activities. They expressed concerns that the project might prioritize supplying water to other regions, leaving them without a permanent and reliable source.

President Wickremesinghe assured farmers that their needs would be addressed, stating that both drinking water and agricultural requirements would be met. He also promised to allocate funds to increase the water capacity of the Eru canal.

Despite the President's assurances, farmers remain skeptical, highlighting the dependence of both Eru Wewa and Mahakanadarava Wewa on rainwater. They reiterate their demand for a permanent water supply from the Moragahakanda reservoir to their region.