The Government has allocated Rs. 77 billion under the 2027 Budget to improve access to clean drinking water, expand sanitation facilities and ensure adequate water supplies for industrial and other economic activities, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced.
Presenting the Budget in Parliament Yesterday (12), the President said priority would be given to providing safe drinking water while developing infrastructure to meet the increasing needs of households, businesses and industries. The Government is also exploring opportunities to attract private sector investment into the water supply sector.
As part of the initiative, Rs. 5.19 billion has been allocated to launch 13 new water supply projects in areas including Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Nagadeepa, Valachchenai and Kotte.
The Greater Kilinochchi Water Supply Project is among the major initiatives, with Rs. 1.8 billion allocated for 2027. The project has an estimated total cost of Rs. 41.14 billion and will cover the Karachchi, Kandavalai, Poonakary and Pachchilaipalli Divisional Secretariat divisions.
The Greater Galle City Water Supply Project, which is estimated to cost Rs. 37.501 billion, will receive Rs. 3 billion to begin construction.
Another Rs. 1.8 billion has been allocated to commence the Kundasale–Haragama Water Supply Project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 34.368 billion.
The Budget also proposes Rs. 1 billion to begin the Eheliyagoda Water Supply Project, which is expected to cost Rs. 4.775 billion.
Meanwhile, Rs. 700 million has been allocated towards the Haldummulla–Beragala Water Supply Project, estimated to cost Rs. 3.262 billion. A further Rs. 300 million will be provided to commence the Yatimahana–Ma Oya Water Supply Project, which has an estimated total cost of Rs. 22.158 billion.
Rs. 1 billion to address drinking water issues in Jaffna and Vanni
The President also highlighted water quality concerns in the Jaffna and Vanni districts, including seawater intrusion, excessive hardness, high mineral salt content and bacterial contamination.
An allocation of Rs. 1 billion has been proposed to gradually address these issues and improve access to safe drinking water in the affected areas.
Rs. 12 billion for water supply and sanitation improvements
A further Rs. 12 billion has been allocated for projects to increase the capacity of existing drinking water schemes, extend distribution networks and improve sanitation facilities.
In addition, Rs. 2 billion has been set aside to upgrade community-based water supply schemes across the country.
The Government has also allocated Rs. 250 million for feasibility studies to identify solutions for the water requirements of industrial and commercial activities in Kuliyapiti
