The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is strengthening Sri Lanka’s water security through the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project – Phase II, the country’s second-largest ongoing water supply initiative.
The project is being carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB). A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on July 10 in Kebithigollewa, attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Japan’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Kamoshida Naoaki and JICA Sri Lanka Office Chief Representative Kuronuma Kenji.
Once completed, the scheme will expand access to safe drinking water in the Padaviya, Horowpothana, Kahatagasdigiliya, Kebithigollewa, Medawachchiya and Rambewa Divisional Secretariat divisions of Anuradhapura District. These areas have long depended on unsafe groundwater sources linked to Chronic Kidney Disease and dental and skeletal fluorosis.
The project is expected to develop water treatment facilities with a capacity of 34,800 cubic metres per day, along with transmission and distribution networks. Combined with the first phase, JICA’s projects are expected to benefit around 75,000 families across 164 Grama Niladhari Divisions.
JICA said the initiative reflects Japan’s enduring partnership with Sri Lanka and its commitment to supporting the country’s recovery and sustainable development, adding that it remains focused on the successful and timely completion of the project.
