Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Prof. Chandana Abayarathna has called on all communities to unite, regardless of religious differences, to overcome the challenges facing Sri Lanka, as reconstruction work on disaster-damaged infrastructure began in Anamaduwa, Puttalam today (24).

Addressing the launch of three irrigation and infrastructure reconstruction projects, the Minister said the country could overcome its current difficulties only through collective effort and cooperation.

The projects include the reconstruction of the Kachchimaduwa Tank spillway, along with other irrigation facilities around tanks and anicuts in the area. The programme was launched under the patronage of Minister Abayarathna and Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha.

Minister Abayarathna said the government has allocated Rs. 50 billion for 2026, in addition to funds allocated last year, to restore the livelihoods of disaster-affected people and rebuild damaged infrastructure, including irrigation systems and roads.

He said the government had prioritised protecting lives and property during the recent disaster in the Kottukachchiya and Maho areas, and reconstruction work had commenced at the earliest possible opportunity despite technical and human resource constraints.

The government plans to rebuild the Kachchimaduwa Tank, Labugala Tank and Galkissa Anicut to a stronger and improved standard.

The Minister also said the damaged Tampita Viharaya at Bodhikkarama Temple would be reconstructed with the assistance of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Emphasising the importance of national unity, Minister Abayarathna said everyone must work together without division based on ethnicity or religion to address Abayarathna major challenges confronting the country.

He added that further development projects would be implemented in the area with government intervention.

MP Ajith Gihan, other public representatives, senior Irrigation Department officials including the Director General of Irrigation, government officials, farmers’ representatives and local residents attended the event.