Anuradhapura Government Agent R.M. Wanninayake told that it would provide water for farmers in the North Central, North and North Western Provinces. The project will benefit around 770,000 people in the Malwathuoya, Meeoya and Yanoya river basins. It will enhance water supply systems, boost environment friendly agriculture, establish community base rural water schemes, and decentralize drinking water projects.

The project also strengthens warning systems of flood and drought and other natural disasters. Assuring food security and alleviating poverty in the areas will be other targets of the project.

The Green Climate Fund Grants and 38.1 million American dollars were provided for the project. The Government is to invest USD 14 million and the project will be complete by 2025. The UN Development Program (UNDP) along with the Disaster Management Ministry, Agrarian Services Development and Agriculture Departments, National Water Supply and Drainage Board and National Community Water Supply Department will assist the project. Wanninayake said. Rs. 3,113 million will be invested to improve agriculture in the river basin areas, while rehabilitating 325 rural tanks, 30 cascade systems. Thirty five community based water schemes will be established with 125 high-tech water filtering machines and 4,000 rain water harvesting tank systems at a cost of Rs. 1,465 million, he said.

UNDP Project Coordinator Asoka Ajantha said women headed families, jobless young women, disabled persons, kidney patients, destitute families due to conflicts and flood, children and mothers suffering from malnutrition and underage children will be given priority thorough the development projects.