Hambantota, Sri Lanka – 2 August 2026:
The rehabilitation of the existing distribution canal system of the Left Bank Main Canal (LBMC) of the Lunugamwehera Scheme commenced on 2 August 2026, marking an important step towards improving irrigation infrastructure and strengthening climate-resilient agricultural development in the Hambantota District.
The commencement of the project was formally inaugurated by Hon. Aravinda Senarath, Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation, in the presence of local political representatives, senior officials of the Irrigation Department, and beneficiary farmers from the Tissamaharama Division of the Hambantota Irrigation Range.
The project, implemented under the Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project (IRDCRP), is funded by the World Bank and is being implemented by the Irrigation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.
With a total estimated project value of Rs. 1,800 million, the rehabilitation programme has a planned implementation period of three years. The works cover the rehabilitation and improvement of the existing distribution canal system to enhance the efficiency and reliability of irrigation water delivery to agricultural lands in the project area.
A total of nine contract packages are being implemented through the Force Account method by the Irrigation Department. Implementation of these packages has already commenced.
The rehabilitation of the canal system is expected to improve the conveyance and distribution of irrigation water, reduce water losses, strengthen the functionality of existing irrigation infrastructure, and support farmers in maintaining more reliable agricultural production. The intervention will also contribute to the broader objectives of IRDCRP by strengthening climate resilience and improving the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems.
The rehabilitation of the existing distribution canal system of the Left Bank Main Canal (LBMC) of the Lunugamwehera Scheme commenced on 2 August 2026, marking an important step towards improving irrigation infrastructure and strengthening climate-resilient agricultural development in the Hambantota District.
The commencement of the project was formally inaugurated by Hon. Aravinda Senarath, Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation, in the presence of local political representatives, senior officials of the Irrigation Department, and beneficiary farmers from the Tissamaharama Division of the Hambantota Irrigation Range.
The project, implemented under the Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project (IRDCRP), is funded by the World Bank and is being implemented by the Irrigation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.
With a total estimated project value of Rs. 1,800 million, the rehabilitation programme has a planned implementation period of three years. The works cover the rehabilitation and improvement of the existing distribution canal system to enhance the efficiency and reliability of irrigation water delivery to agricultural lands in the project area.
A total of nine contract packages are being implemented through the Force Account method by the Irrigation Department. Implementation of these packages has already commenced.
The rehabilitation of the canal system is expected to improve the conveyance and distribution of irrigation water, reduce water losses, strengthen the functionality of existing irrigation infrastructure, and support farmers in maintaining more reliable agricultural production. The intervention will also contribute to the broader objectives of IRDCRP by strengthening climate resilience and improving the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems.