Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday, 13 May 2026 11:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha
In a bid to improve rural agricultural productivity and enhance water security in farming communities, the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved a countrywide initiative to rehabilitate and strengthen small-scale irrigation network under a new program titled “Vari Mahima – Ape Urumaya”.
The Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha to implement the initiative, which has already been allocated Rs. 1,000 million under the 2026 Budget.
The decision comes in response to growing concerns over the deterioration of traditional village-based irrigation systems, which have historically played a key role in sustaining rural agriculture and supporting national food security.
These systems, which include small-scale irrigation schemes and sluice networks, have been increasingly affected by siltation, structural damage, reduced water-use efficiency, illegal settlements within conservation areas, and the broader impacts of climate change. Accordingly, these challenges have significantly reduced the performance of community-managed water systems in many rural areas.
To address these issues, the Government plans to implement a structured national rehabilitation program focusing on the restoration and modernisation of village irrigation infrastructure and related agricultural units.
The initiative is expected to improve irrigation reliability, strengthen rural livelihoods, and contribute to broader agricultural development objectives by revitalising long-standing community-based water management systems that remain central to country’s arming economy.
