Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi recently announced the establishment of the Kolonna New Mahaweli Division, encompassing 29 village officer domains from the Kolonna Divisional Secretariat Division and 18 from the Embilipitiya Divisional Secretariat Division within the Ratnapura District. This move aims to uplift agricultural activities and enhance the economic and social well-being of the area’s residents, aligning with Section 3.1 of the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority Act of 1981.
The decision to develop the Kolonna area under the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority follows requests from local communities, civil organizations, and community leaders. This development initiative, part of the Mahaweli Master Plan, involves expanding the Udawalawa Reservoir Scheme to benefit the upstream area of the Walawa Mahaweli movement after four decades, promising significant progress for the region.
Minister Wanniarachchi expressed her satisfaction in announcing this decision, emphasizing the forthcoming benefits for the people of the Ratnapura district through the development of the Kolonna region under the Mahaweli Authority. The project involves 37,767 hectares of land across the 47 village officer domains, accommodating 34,691 families, including those receiving government subsidies such as Samurdhi, highlighting the broad impact of this development initiative on local livelihoods.
Key officials including Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation Saman Darshana Padikorala, SLMA Director General Mahendra Abeywardena, SLMA Deputy Director General Kaushalya Wijeweera, and Director of Mahaweli Land Use Planning Indika Jayawardena were present at the official announcement, underscoring the government’s commitment to regional development and welfare enhancement initiatives.