The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for permitting me to ask the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation the following questions regarding the Heda Oya Irrigation Project, crucial for the people of Ampara and Moneragala.

¶ 02 Despite approvals and allocations over the years, implementation has not commenced. Considering the history below, I request expeditious implementation:

¶ 03 1) Identified by the Irrigation Department in 1922 as a water source for agriculture and drinking. 2) Detailed designs completed in 1956. 3) Detailed feasibility studies conducted 2006–2008. 4) Cabinet approvals and National Budget allocations given under several governments during 2016–2020. 5) Project works have still not begun. 6) Benefits include: - Irrigation for over 6,270 hectares; - Benefits to over 5,000 farming families; - Permanent solution to drinking water shortages in four DS areas: in Moneragala—Madulla, Siyambalanduwa; and in Ampara—Lahugala, Paanama, Pottuvil, Komari; - Year-round reliable water improving yield, food security, and livelihoods; - Economic growth through inland fisheries, small-scale power generation, and related infrastructure.

¶ 04 Public awareness began in 2002. On 25.11.2005, then President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Policy Statement mentioned this project. The “Mahinda Chinthana” (2006) called to initiate it for drinking and agriculture. Late Minister Anwer Ismail, as Irrigation Minister (2006–2008), undertook necessary steps, preparing feasibility maps and reports, with an implementation horizon 2007–2012, estimated cost Rs. 4,250 million, area 6,270 ha, 5,000 families benefitting; with expenditure projections into 2008–2009. In 2016, the Ministry of Finance concurred with continuing the project; the Department of National Planning sought approval; and Cabinet, via decisions dated 03.05.2016, 30.04.2019 and 07.05.2019, resolved to proceed. I table related documents.

¶ 05 Further, references include: President Maithripala Sirisena’s directive dated 08.04.2019; Finance Ministry review 19.04.2019; Land and Parliamentary Reforms Ministry letter 08.04.2019; Urban Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education Minister’s recommendation 25.03.2019; and the Mahaweli Development and Environment Ministry’s oversight note.

¶ 06 Despite these, and two changes of government, no implementation. Therefore:

¶ 07 1) Why has the project not commenced despite studies, approvals and allocations? 2) Will the 2026 National Budget allocate sufficient funds to commence in phases? If so, expected timelines? 3) Will a dedicated project implementation/oversight unit be set up? Its structure and mandate? How will participation, stakeholder consultation and transparency be ensured? 4) Has the Ministry studied social, environmental and economic benefits such as food security, water availability, rural employment, and climate resilience? If so, provide a summary. 5) Will this project be integrated with other national/regional programmes—rural water, agricultural modernization, regional irrigation networks?

¶ 08 This is not just an irrigation project—it is the livelihood hope of thousands of farming families waiting over a century. I expect comprehensive answers and request that His Excellency the President Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake initiate its implementation.