The Cabinet has approved securing US$ 200 million from the Asian Development Bank to implement Stage 2 of the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program. 

The project, with an estimated total cost of US$ 536.5 million, will complete irrigation infrastructure along the main canal in the North Central Province and establish a commercial agriculture development programme with improved water distribution. 

It will support major irrigation schemes, including Hurulu Wewa, Manakkattiya Wewa, Eru Wewa, Mahakandarawa Wewa, Nachchaduwa Wewa, Nuwara Wewa, and Tisa Wewa, enabling cultivation of 17,500 hectares and providing drinking water to approximately 175,000 families.