FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka is aiming to finalize a series of water infrastructure initiatives by the year 2026/2027, with an investment of 17 billion rupees, which will ensure access to clean drinking water for approximately 300,000 households, according to Minister Susil Ranasinghe.
Among these initiatives is the Thambuththegama Water Project, located in the president’s hometown, which has been completed at a cost of 32 billion rupees. An official handover ceremony for the project is set to take place on July 10, attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Chinese Ambassador.
This project is financed by a loan from the China Development Bank (CDB), with construction and management executed by Chinese state-owned enterprises. It aims to provide safe drinking water to 25,000 families across 42 Grama Niladhari divisions, including Thambuththegama, Thalawa, and Galnewa.
In addition, the government plans to inaugurate the Kebithigollewa-Horowpothana Water Project, which is backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at an estimated cost of 52 million rupees and is designed to benefit 50,000 families.
A key objective of these water supply improvements is to address Chronic Kidney Disease (CKDu) by supplying safe surface water in areas where groundwater quality is associated with the disease.
Further infrastructure developments slated for 2026 include the launch of the Laggala project and the anticipated completion of the Polgahawela project within two months. The Nuwara Patha Sunwara project, which will provide support to 73,000 families, is expected to be finalized by the end of the year. (Colombo/July08/2026)
