The North Central Canal Project has completed South Asia’s longest irrigation tunnel, bringing the Rs. 50 billion project a major step closer to serving farming communities in Sri Lanka’s dry zone.
Once the full project is complete, it will support around 175,000 families by improving irrigation and expanding access to safe drinking water. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation under the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program is implementing the project with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and aims to finish it by 2030.
More Water for Agriculture
The 28-kilometre tunnel forms part of a 95-kilometre canal network that will carry water from the Kalu Ganga and Moragahakanda reservoirs to the Mahakanadarawa Reservoir.
As a result, the canal system will provide irrigation to around 74,000 hectares of farmland and supply water to more than 1,500 major, medium and minor tanks, including 12 major irrigation schemes.
Better Access to Drinking Water
In addition, the project will deliver around 70 million cubic metres of water each year. Nearly 40 million cubic metres will go directly to drinking water supplies.
The improved water supply will also support communities in areas affected by chronic kidney disease, where access to safe drinking water remains a long-term challenge.
Project Moving Towards Completion
Engineers used a specialized double-shield tunnel boring machine to construct the underground tunnel.
Meanwhile, Government officials reaffirmed their commitment to completing the entire North Central Canal Project by 2030. They said the project will strengthen agricultural production, improve water security and support long-term regional development.
Editor’s Insight
Large irrigation projects create long-term economic value. They improve farm productivity, strengthen water security and help rural communities become more resilient to changing weather conditions.
Last modified: July 16, 2026
