The Upper Elahera Canal (UEC) Project is a significant water infrastructure initiative aimed at improving water distribution in Sri Lanka. This project is a key component of the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program (MWSIP), designed to enhance water availability for agricultural and domestic use across the North Central Province (NCP) and eventually extend to the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

Project Overview

• Objective: The UEC Project was conceived to transfer water from the Moragahakanda Reservoir in the Central Province to existing reservoirs in the North Central Province and ultimately to water-deficit areas in the Northern Province. The canal spans 92 kilometers and includes a 27.7-kilometer tunnel, making it one of the most extensive and complex water transfer systems in Sri Lanka.
• Water Transfer Capacity: The canal is designed to convey 974 million cubic meters (MCM) of water annually. However, due to current infrastructural limitations, only 223 MCM of water is available for transfer through the UEC until further infrastructure, particularly for transferring water from Randenigala Reservoir to Moragahakanda, is completed.

Phased Implementation

The project is being implemented in two distinct phases:

1. Phase I: In this initial phase, the UEC will transfer 223 MCM to the North Central Province. This water primarily comes from the Bowatenna Reservoir and the Moragahakanda catchment area. During this phase, the canal will operate at only 23% of its designed capacity, as the necessary infrastructure to transfer 772 MCM from Randenigala is not yet operational. Consequently, the North Central Province will receive the entirety of this water, with no surplus available for the Northern Province.
2. Phase II: This phase will commence once the infrastructure to transfer water from Randenigala to Moragahakanda is completed. At this stage, the UEC will operate at full capacity, transferring 974 MCM of water. Of this, 223 MCM will continue to meet the demands of the North Central Province, while the remaining 751 MCM will be directed to the Northern Province. However, significant infrastructure development in the Northern Province will be required to accommodate this increased water supply.

Challenges and Considerations

• Water Allocation: With only 223 MCM available during Phase I, careful consideration must be given to how this limited resource is allocated within the North Central Province. A substantial portion of this water is needed to maintain the cropping intensity in the region, particularly during the Yala season.
• Infrastructure Delays: The full potential of the UEC cannot be realized until the necessary infrastructure for transferring water from Randenigala is completed, a process that could take over a decade. In the interim, the project must focus on optimizing the use of the available 223 MCM.
• Northern Province Needs: The Northern Province currently lacks the infrastructure to handle the anticipated 751 MCM that will eventually be transferred through the UEC. Developing the necessary water storage and distribution systems in this region is crucial for Phase II.

MCB’s Role

The Mahaweli Consultancy Bureau (MCB) was instrumental in the development of the UEC Project by providing Consultancy Services for the Preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA conducted by MCB was critical in evaluating the environmental and social impacts of the canal construction and operation. MCB’s work ensured that the project adhered to both national and international environmental standards, while also proposing mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on local ecosystems and communities.