Work on Uma Oya launched. It will irrigate 10,000 acres and generate 120 MW of power

Construction work on the Uma Oya Multipurpose Project which can irrigate 10,000 acres and also generate 120 megawatts of power to the National Grid is being carried out successfully. President Rajapaksa launched work on the main tunnel.

The launch of work on the main access tunnel of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Project took place under the patronage of the President. The President also joined in an inspection tour of the Scheme. Work on the Project was launched in 2008 with assistance from the Iranian Government.
The aim of the Scheme is to meet irrigation and other requirements in the Dry Zone within the Southeast region of the country after the generation of power utilizing the excess water of Uma Oya. In addition, it is planned to divert water to the Kirindi Oya Valley to meet domestic, industrial and other water requirements in the Moneragala and Hambantota Districts. Plans are afoot to complete the work on the Scheme by the year 2015.
Initial constructions including access roads have already been completed. Work on the underground power plant and excavations of the access tunnel have also been completed. It is also planned to acquire the required land for development activities and to pay compensation on behalf of the people impacted by the Scheme. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and Jagath Pushpakumara, Uva Chief Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa and President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge were among those present on the occasion.