President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced an allocation of Rs. 77 billion to ensure an uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water, expand sanitation facilities and provide adequate water for industrial and other economic activities under the 2027 Budget.
Presenting the Budget in Parliament today (12), the President said the Government would prioritise access to safe drinking water while expanding infrastructure to meet the growing water requirements of households, businesses and industries. The Government is also considering opportunities to attract private sector investment into the water supply sector.
As part of the programme, Rs. 5.19 billion has been allocated to commence 13 new water supply projects covering areas including Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Nagadeepa, Valachchenai and Kotte.
Among the major projects announced is the Greater Kilinochchi Water Supply Project, for which Rs. 1.8 billion has been allocated in 2027. The project has an estimated total cost of Rs. 41.14 billion and will cover the Karachchi, Kandavalai, Poonakary and Pachchilaipalli Divisional Secretariat divisions in Kilinochchi.
The Greater Galle City Water Supply Project, estimated to cost Rs. 37.501 billion, will receive an allocation of Rs. 3 billion to commence construction.
Meanwhile, Rs. 1.8 billion has been allocated to begin the Kundasale–Haragama Water Supply Project, which has an estimated cost of Rs. 34.368 billion.
The Government has also proposed Rs. 1 billion to commence the Eheliyagoda Water Supply Project, estimated to cost Rs. 4.775 billion.
Other proposed projects include the Haldummulla–Beragala Water Supply Project, with Rs. 700 million allocated towards its estimated cost of Rs. 3.262 billion, and the Yatimahana–Ma Oya Water Supply Project, for which Rs. 300 million has been allocated to commence work in 2027. The latter project has an estimated total cost of Rs. 22.158 billion.
Rs. 1 Billion to Address Drinking Water Problems in Jaffna and Vanni
The President also highlighted continuing drinking water quality issues in the Jaffna and Vanni districts, including seawater intrusion, excessive water hardness, high mineral salt content and bacterial contamination.
An allocation of Rs. 1 billion has been proposed to gradually address these problems and improve access to safe drinking water in the affected areas.
Rs. 12 Billion for Water Supply and Sanitation Improvements
A further Rs. 12 billion has been allocated to implement projects aimed at increasing the capacity of existing drinking water schemes, expanding distribution networks and developing sanitation facilities.
In addition, Rs. 2 billion has been allocated to improve community-based water supply schemes across the country.
The Government has also earmarked Rs. 250 million for feasibility studies to identify solutions for the water requirements of industrial and commercial activities in Kuliyapitiya, Pannala, Bingiriya, Udubaddawa, Trincomalee and Gampola–Jayamalapura.
Wastewater Management Projects to Receive Rs. 1.74 Billion
Meanwhile, Rs. 1.74 billion has been allocated to implement wastewater management projects in Ella, Moratuwa and Ekala.
The projects are aimed at improving sanitation facilities and establishing more systematic wastewater management services.
The proposals form part of the Government's wider 2027 investment programme to strengthen water infrastructure, improve public health, address regional drinking water shortages and ensure adequate water supplies to support future economic and industrial development.
