Sri Lanka Praises Iran for Powering Uma Oya and Standing by Sri Lanka

by Zulfick Farzan 12-02-2026 | 11:55 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has hailed the Uma Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project as a landmark symbol of cooperation between Colombo and Tehran, with Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa praising Iran’s role in making the initiative a national achievement.

Dr. Jayatissa said the project, made possible through Iranian engineering and financial partnership, stands as clear evidence of what the two nations can accomplish together.

He noted that Uma Oya now delivers 120 megawatts of clean energy to Sri Lanka’s national grid while also supplying life‑sustaining water to the farming communities of the Southeast.

The minister expressed gratitude for Iran’s consistent support during some of Sri Lanka’s most difficult periods, saying Iran had stood with the country during conflict, the tsunami, the pandemic, and its economic stabilization efforts. He added that the results of this collaboration are visible across the island, with Uma Oya being one of the most significant examples.

Looking ahead, Dr. Jayatissa said Sri Lanka is eager to build on this partnership through future cooperation in power generation, refinery modernization, and sustainable water‑resource management.

He also highlighted the T4 Oil‑Barter Agreement, describing it as proof that both nations are capable of innovative solutions to overcome global logistical challenges.

According to him, Sri Lanka sees strong potential in expanding reciprocal exchanges involving Iranian petrochemicals, fertilizers, and bitumen, which he identified as essential to Sri Lanka’s construction and agriculture sectors.

Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that Sri Lanka deeply values the long-standing and time‑tested nature of its relationship with Iran, describing the friendship as one built on mutual well‑being and strengthened by the warmth of the people of both countries.

He stressed that despite shifting geopolitical dynamics around the world, the partnership between Colombo and Tehran remains a consistent source of stability and friendship.