Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2012-06-27

Providing relief to the families affected by the acquisition of property for the Construction of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UMODP)

- this project is being implemented with funds provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Four new reservoirs are to be constructed under this project and the capacity of Handapanagala Tank will also be increased. In addition, the existing irrigation systems and the infrastructure will be improved, including installation of 120 MW Hydro Power Plant with a 23 Km. long tunnel and an Underground Power Station. Water released after the generation of power is to be utilized for agriculture and other needs of the people of Wellassa and Ruhuna. The proposal made by Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management, to appoint Valuation and Appeal Committees to determine the amount of compensation payable for the land acquired for the project, and to provide extents of land from nearby areas for the people who are affected due to the implementation of the above project, was approved by the Cabinet.