Polonnaruwa, one of the largest paddy cultivating areas in Sri Lanka has about 80,000 acres of paddy cultivating lands. However in the recent past paddy cultivation has shown a set back as it was severely affected from extreme events of climate change like floods and prolonged dry spells.

The Department of Irrigation has proposed to implement a six year irrigation development programme commencing from 2016 to overcome above issues.

The proposal made by Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.