- The Mahaweli Development Programme commenced in 1970 and the Government has given high priority for the completion of the outstanding water conveyance investments under this programme. Water conveyance to North, North Central and Eastern Provinces is the main component outstanding. The Cabinet has already granted approval for the implementation of the Northern Province Canal Project and the proposal made by H.E. the President, Maithripala Sirisena, in his capacity as the Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment to enter into an agreement with the Asian Development Bank to implement the Phase I of the North Central Province Canal Project and pursue action accordingly, was approved by the Cabinet.