Colombo, April 22, 2021-The Sri Lankan government and the World Bank signed a US$69.53 million credit agreement to improve dams and irrigation schemes, covering 165,000 hectares of agricultural land, and improving watershed and water resources management to make 35.6 Ten thousand agricultural families benefited.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Mr. Sagis Attigle signed on behalf of the government, and Faris Haddad Zevos, President of the World Bank Sri Lanka, signed on behalf of the World Bank. "Effective management of water resources is essential to Sri Lanka's long-term economic prosperity," said Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka. "Sri Lanka has abundant natural and man-made water resources, and protecting its watersheds will help the country adapt to climate change and reduce climate-induced risks to people and their livelihoods."

The project aims to protect, restore and better manage the watershed, with a focus on the Upper Mahaweli watershed in the central hills, to help prevent the effects of extreme floods, droughts and land events, while contributing to improving water quality and improving farmers’ yields . The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Irrigation. The project combines evidence-based planning with investment in watershed management, dam safety inspection practices, and dam risk assessment. The restoration of the irrigation system will benefit from extensive stakeholder consultation, and key project interventions will promote the participation of youth and women to ensure that they receive the support of the project.

"The Sri Lankan government is committed to the development of a broad policy framework under the theme of the protection of our watersheds and plans.'Strategic mechanism for Sri Lanka to develop a common watershed management approach' said Han. Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa. "The Ministry of Irrigation is pleased to cooperate with the World Bank To develop our precious water resources and watershed through this five-year project"

The World Bank provided US$69.53 million in credit from its International Development Association, and its project preparation activities were supported by the Korea-World Bank Group Partnership Fund. The World Bank’s investment portfolio in Sri Lanka has 19 projects with a total value of US$2.3 billion, involving multiple sectors such as transportation, cities, water, education and health.Editor/Huang Lijun