The Kaluganga-Moragahakanda Link Canal is a crucial element of the larger Moragahakanda-Kaluganga Development Project, which is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant water resource management initiatives. This project, overseen by the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka with detailed design and consultancy services provided by the Mahaweli Consultancy Bureau (MCB), aims to optimize water distribution across several districts in the country’s dry zone, ensuring water security for agriculture, drinking, and industrial use.

Project Overview

• Project Period: 2007-2022
• Funding Sources:
  • China Development Bank (CDB)
  • Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)
  • OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID)
  • Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED)
  • Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL)
• Estimated Cost: LKR 117,200 million

Objectives of the Kaluganga-Moragahakanda Link Canal

The Kaluganga-Moragahakanda Link Canal is designed to connect the Kaluganga and Moragahakanda reservoirs, facilitating the efficient transfer of water between these two major storage facilities. The primary objectives of this canal are:

• Water Transfer and Management: The canal is essential for ensuring that water from the Kaluganga reservoir can be effectively channeled into the Moragahakanda reservoir, which in turn feeds a network of irrigation systems serving the North Central Province and other dry regions.
• Irrigation Support: The project significantly boosts the irrigation capacity of the region, providing water to approximately 81,400 hectares of agricultural land across Matale, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, and Kurunegala districts. This enhancement is vital for increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in these areas.
• Hydropower Generation: The project includes provisions for generating 25 MW of hydropower, contributing approximately 114.5 GWh of energy annually to the national grid, which supports the country’s renewable energy goals.
• Drinking and Industrial Water Supply: In addition to irrigation, the canal system ensures the provision of 64 million cubic meters (MCM) of water annually for drinking and industrial purposes, benefiting numerous communities in the region.

Impact and Benefits

• Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: By ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation, the Kaluganga-Moragahakanda Link Canal directly supports the livelihoods of thousands of farmers, enhancing agricultural yields and contributing to the region’s economic stability.
• Sustainable Water Resource Management: The canal is a critical component in the sustainable management of Sri Lanka’s water resources, particularly in the dry zones that are most vulnerable to water scarcity.
• Energy Contribution: The project’s hydropower component adds valuable renewable energy to the national grid, aligning with Sri Lanka’s energy diversification goals.