Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2020-11-16

Implementation of the proposed Gin-Nilwala Diversion project for the optimal use of water from the Gin and Nilwala rivers

- The rivers Gin and Nilwala carry 2000 and 1200 cubic meters of water to the ocean, respectively. The Gin -Nilwala project has been proposed to implement for the purpose of diverting the excess water of the said two rivers in order to avoid shortage of drinking and irrigation water in the Hambantota District and also to control the floods in these rivers and studies in this regard are nearing its completion. Taking into consideration the proposals made by the Minister of Irrigation and the need to expedite the project, the Cabinet approval was granted to implement the project in phased out manner, utilizing local funds.