The Mundeni Aru River Basin Development Project is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing water resource management and agricultural productivity in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts of Sri Lanka. This project is part of the broader efforts to develop the Eastern Province, providing vital irrigation, drinking water, and inland fisheries to local communities. The project includes the construction and amalgamation of key reservoirs, namely the Mahaoya Reservoir in Ampara and the Rugam-Kithul Reservoir in Batticaloa, which together play a crucial role in supporting the region’s development.

Project Overview

1. Mahaoya Reservoir – Ampara District:
   • Capacity: 80 million cubic meters (MCM)
   • Purpose:
     • Irrigation: The reservoir will irrigate approximately 8,060 acres (3,262 hectares) of agricultural land, enhancing food production and supporting local farmers.
     • Drinking Water: It will provide 2 MCM of drinking water annually, improving water security for the surrounding communities.
     • Inland Fisheries: The reservoir will also support inland fisheries, contributing to the local economy and food supply.
2. Rugam-Kithul Reservoir Amalgamation – Batticaloa District:
   • Capacity: 58 MCM
   • Purpose:
     • Irrigation: The reservoir will irrigate a total of 18,490 acres (7,483 hectares) of farmland, including 8,112 acres of new land and 10,378 acres of existing land.
     • Drinking Water: It will supply 12 MCM of drinking water per year, ensuring a reliable water source for local residents.
     • Inland Fisheries: Similar to the Mahaoya Reservoir, the Rugam-Kithul Reservoir will support inland fisheries, boosting the local economy.

MCB’s Role in the Project

The Mahaweli Consultancy Bureau (MCB) has been instrumental in the successful planning and implementation of the Mundeni Aru River Basin Development Project. Specifically, MCB conducted the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and developed the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the project, focusing on the following areas:

• Social Impact Assessment (SIA):
  • MCB carried out comprehensive studies to assess the social impacts of the project on local communities. This involved evaluating the potential displacement of residents, changes to livelihoods, and overall social dynamics that could result from the construction of the reservoirs and associated infrastructure.
  • The SIA ensured that all potential social impacts were identified early, allowing for the development of strategies to mitigate adverse effects and enhance positive outcomes for the affected populations.
• Resettlement Action Plan (RAP):
  • The Resettlement Action Plan developed by MCB provides a detailed framework for the resettlement of affected families. The plan includes compensation strategies, the provision of alternative housing and livelihoods, and support for the reintegration of displaced persons into new communities.
  • MCB’s RAP emphasizes the importance of maintaining or improving the living standards of those affected by the project, ensuring that resettlement is handled in a manner that is both fair and sustainable.

Project Funding and Timeline

• Project Cost: The total cost of the Mundeni Aru River Basin Development Project is 172 million Euros.
  • Funding Sources:
    • Agence Française de Développement (AFD): 150 million Euros
    • European Union (EU): 12 million Euros
    • Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL): 10 million Euros
• Project Duration: The project commenced in 2021 and is expected to be completed by 2026.

Expected Outcomes

• Irrigation and Agriculture: The project will provide irrigation for over 16,000 hectares of land across the two districts, significantly boosting agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
• Water Supply: With an annual provision of 14 MCM of drinking water, the project will ensure improved water security for over 31,000 residents in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts.
• Economic Development: The reservoirs will support inland fisheries, creating new economic opportunities and contributing to the local food supply.