Uma Oya project inaugurated; 290 GWh to be contributed to National Grid

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and President Ranil Wickremesinghe jointly inaugurated the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) today. This project is one of the largest irrigation projects in Sri Lanka following the Mahaweli Development Project.

Following the inauguration of the Uma Oya multipurpose development project, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude to Iran for their technical support, emphasizing that without Iran's assistance, Sri Lanka couldn't have diverted the Uma Oya tributaries into Kirindi Oya.

He highlighted the South's desire to establish its identity and independence, suggesting that Southern countries should now strive for their own strength and autonomy.

The Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) is a significant endeavour of utmost importance to Sri Lanka since its primary objective is to alleviate water scarcity in the southeastern dry region of the country by redirecting an annual average of 145 million cubic meters (MCM) of excess water from the Uma Oya basin to the Kirindi Oya basin. It is crucial to note that this redirection is executed with meticulous attention to minimize any adverse effects on the environment and pre-existing water sources.

As a result of this project, approximately 4,500 hectares of new land and 1,500 hectares of existing agricultural land in the Monaragala district will receive irrigation water. Moreover, the areas of Badulla, Monaragala, and Hambantota will benefit from 39 million cubic meters (MCM) of water for drinking and industrial purposes, while generating and adding 290 GWh of electrical energy annually to the National Grid.

The Iranian delegation led by President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi was welcomed at the Mattala Airport by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane. Special security measures were taken in view of the visit of the Iranian President to the country. 

The delegation received a warm welcome from President Ranil Wickremesinghe upon their arrival at the Presidential Secretariat a short while ago. They were also honoured with a Guard of Honour.