120 Megawatts, 15,000 Acres, and Stories of Loss

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Cabinet Subcommittee appointed to resolve longstanding issues related to the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project is meeting today (26) with affected residents in Bandarawela.

The initiative aims to address grievances stemming from land and property losses caused by the project’s implementation.

The public engagement is taking place at the Bandarawela Town Hall, where officials are directly receiving complaints and concerns from affected individuals.

The Uma Oya project, inaugurated on April 24 last year with the participation of former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Iranian President the late-Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, is designed to generate 120 MW of hydroelectric power. It also provides irrigation for 15,000 acres of farmland in Badulla and Monaragala districts and supplies drinking water to Bandarawela, Badulla, and Monaragala.

Despite its benefits, the project has led to significant displacement and property damage, leaving many residents grappling with unresolved issues.