Water Dispute Erupts: Farmers Demand Fair Share

COLOMBO (News 1st); The highly anticipated inauguration of the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project today (15) was overshadowed by protests from farmers in the region. 

The project, aimed at providing safe drinking water to thousands of residents, drew criticism for potentially jeopardizing irrigation needs in the agricultural heartland.

The crux of the issue lies in the water source for the project. 

While the recently completed North Water Project draws water from the Maha Kandarawa Reservoir, the initial plan involved diverting water from the Moragahakanda Reservoir to replenish Maha Kandarawa before utilizing it for the North Project.

Farmers claim that the inauguration signifies the abandonment of this plan, leaving them with insufficient water for their crops. 

The Maha Kanadarava United Farmers' Organization voiced their concerns through a protest, calling for a sustainable solution that balances the needs of both the drinking water project and their agricultural livelihoods.

Police and Police Special Task Force personnel were also summoned to the location to control the situation.