COLOMBO (News 1st): The ‘Waari Saubhagya’ National Irrigation Programme began on Friday (Feb. 05) at the Mahamgaswewa in Palugaswewa, Anuradhapura, under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Through the national programme, the government aims to renovate 5000 small irrigation systems in the country, the Ministry of Irrigation said on Friday (05).

Accordingly, 1000 regional irrigation systems will be renovated in 2021.

The ‘Waari Saubhagya’ National Programme will be carried out with the participation of the Ministry of Irrigation, Agrarian Services Department, Tri-Forces and Civil Security Department.

At the inauguration event of the ‘Waari Saubhagya’ National Programme on Friday (05), the construction of the tunnel to develop the Maha Ela in the North-Central province began under the patronage of the President.

This tunnel extending 28 kilometres becomes the country’s longest and upon completion of the Maha Ela, the tunnel will extend to 94 kilometres.

The Maha Ela will carry water from the Moragahakanda reservoir to Mahakandarawa, the Ministry of Irrigation said.

The ‘Waari Saubhagya’ National Programme implemented as a four-year accelerated development project, which will provide water to several large irrigation systems, will benefit the Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Matale and Polonnaruwa districts.

The development of the Wayamba Maha Ela Canal is scheduled to begin on 16th February, under the patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

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