The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply
The Deputy Minister stated that the Bandarawela water supply system’s 3,000 m³ capacity is inadequate for about 14,000 connections, requiring supply management using Diyatalawa and Ettampitiya sources, with current supply improved from once in 14 days to at least once in seven days. He said water shortages remain in Diyatalawa and Haputale because 6,000 m³ is diverted to Bandarawela, while areas such as Mirahawatte, Dayaraba and Kurukunde will be covered under the integrated Bandarawela–Diyatalawa–Haputale water project. Phases I and II of the project, begun on 16 February 2025, include a 10,000 m³/day treatment plant, reservoirs, mains, about 9,000 new connections and service improvements across several Divisional Secretariat areas, at an estimated cost of Rs. 9,350 million. Supply is expected to commence in January 2028, subject to funding and staffing requirements.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, I provide the following Answer.
¶ 02 (a) (i) Yes. The existing Bandarawela water supply system has a capacity of about 3,000 m³, which is insufficient for the 14,000 service connections in the area. Therefore, previously water management was done by drawing water from the Diyatalawa and Ettampitiya systems, and supplying Bandarawela once every 14 days. Currently, water management provides at least once in seven days.
¶ 03 (ii) Yes. Since about 6,000 m³ from the Diyatalawa system is currently supplied to Bandarawela, water issues persist to some extent in Diyatalawa and Haputale. Further, Mirahawatte, Dayaraba and Kurukunde are not yet covered by National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) pipelines, and will be covered under the forthcoming integrated Bandarawela–Diyatalawa–Haputale water project.
¶ 04 (iii) Yes. Phases I and II of the integrated Bandarawela–Diyatalawa–Haputale water supply project have already commenced by the NWSDB. Around 80% of construction at the Dayaraba reservoir is complete. Under Phases I and II, a 10,000 m³/day water treatment plant is being constructed. The project was initiated under the present Government on 16.02.2025.
¶ 05 (iv) 16.02.2025.
¶ 06 (v) The project will be implemented in three phases.
¶ 07 (vi) Phases I and II: construction of a 10,000 m³/day treatment plant; construction of reservoirs at Panangala, Diyabibila, Marabedda and Dayaraba; laying of transmission and distribution mains; provision of approximately 9,000 new connections; and service level improvements to existing connections across: - Bandarawela Divisional Secretariat (22 GN divisions), including areas such as Konthehela, Aislaby, Kirioruwa, Attalapitiya, Diganathenna, Ambegoda, Vewathenna, Watagamuwa, Bidunuwewa, Uva/Kebillewela, Gediaroda, Ba/Batagira, Nannethiriya, Udaperuwa, Weheragalatenna, Inakamibedda, Obadella, D/Kebillewela and others. - Hali-Ela Divisional Secretariat (4 GN divisions): Kurukunde, Peraherahettiya, Warakadanda, U. Mahatenna. - Welimada Divisional Secretariat (12 GN divisions): Puhulpola, Dikkapitiya, Koskanuwegama, U. Dayaraba Watta, Katakele, Pahalayalkumbura, Welikadagama, Mirahawatte, Udapila, Kotakithula, Malpotha, Uda Kandegolla. - Ella Divisional Secretariat (4 GN divisions): Dowa, Palleperuwa, Gilla Oya, Kithal Ella.
¶ 08 (vii) Rs. 9,350 million for Phases I and II.
¶ 09 (viii) January 2028. Subject to necessary provisions and rapid deployment of minimum staff, supply is expected to commence from January 2028.
¶ 10 (b) Not applicable.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Friday, 9 January 2026 ·No. 23149 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. T.B. Sarath - Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 9 January 2026. No. 23149. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/1661