The Maduru Oya Right Bank Development Project is a comprehensive infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing the agricultural potential and living standards in the eastern province of Sri Lanka. This project forms a critical part of the larger Mahaweli Development Programme (MDP), specifically under the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Programme (AMDP), which is one of the country’s most ambitious efforts to manage and utilize its water resources for agricultural expansion and socio-economic development.

Project Location and Scope

• Location: Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, specifically within the Maduru Oya Basin, which lies between the Mahaweli River and the Mundeni Aru.
• Geographical Boundaries:
  • East: Kiran Lagoon
  • South East: Miyangolla Ela
  • North and West: Maduru Oya
• Catchment Area: 453 square kilometers
• Command Area: The project’s command area spans a gross area of 135,000 hectares, with a net irrigable area of 37,500 hectares, divided into 22,000 hectares on the left bank and 15,500 hectares on the right bank.

Infrastructure Components

The Maduru Oya Right Bank Development Project includes several key infrastructure elements:

1. Irrigation Infrastructure:
   • Canal System: Extensive networks of main and branch canals are being constructed to distribute water effectively across the command area. This includes the construction of cascade reservoirs that help in water storage and distribution.
   • Reservoirs: These structures are designed to store and regulate water, ensuring a steady supply for irrigation even during dry seasons.
2. Social Infrastructure:
   • Area and Village Centers: The project includes the development of area and village centers equipped with adequate social infrastructure. These centers will have facilities for health, education, and other social services, designed to support the local population and improve their quality of life.
   • Road Networks: A robust network of roads is being constructed to enhance connectivity within the project area, facilitating easier access to markets, schools, and health centers.

Historical and Strategic Importance

The Maduru Oya development project holds historical significance as the first major project undertaken under the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Programme (AMDP). The region around Maduru Oya has been identified as crucial for agricultural expansion due to its geographical features and the potential for water resource management. The Maduru Oya itself is a 135 km long river with a significant catchment area, making it ideal for large-scale irrigation and agricultural projects.

MCB’s Role

The Mahaweli Consultancy Bureau (MCB) played a pivotal role in the project by providing essential consultancy services, including the Updating of the Modified Structure Plan with a Total Cost Estimate (TCE) and Feasibility Design of the main and branch canals for the Right Bank of System B – Stage II. This work was crucial in ensuring the project’s feasibility and alignment with the broader goals of the Mahaweli Development Programme, including sustainability and efficiency in water management.

Project Benefits

• Agricultural Expansion: The project aims to bring 37,500 hectares of land under irrigation, significantly boosting agricultural productivity in the region.
• Socio-Economic Development: By providing essential infrastructure such as roads, health centers, and schools, the project is expected to elevate the living standards of the local population.

The Maduru Oya Right Bank Development Project is a testament to Sri Lanka’s commitment to leveraging its natural resources for sustainable development, with the MCB ensuring that the project is both viable and beneficial for the local population.