Mahaweli Development Scheme

Mahaweli is the longest river in Sri Lanka, running in a curve around the central Kandy-mountains down to the north-eastern shore of the island After many years of study involving many agencies, a Master Plan was formulated in 1968, presenting a long-term programme with the objective of harnessing the economic potential of the river.

 

The purpose of the project was to produce hydro-power and divert a large proportion of the water into the northern dry zone for irrigation.