Sri Lanka “Dam Safety and Water Resources Planning Project Launch”

Ms Naoko Ishii
World Bank Country Director
Sri Lanka

Speech at the launch of the
“Dam Safety and Water Resources Planning Project Launch”
Polonnaruwa
14 August, 2008

Venerable religious leaders,
His Excellency the President, Honorable Mahinda Rajapkse,
Minister of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services
Minister of Irrigation and Water Management, Ports and Aviation,
Ministers, Members of Parliament,
Secretaries of Ministries
Distinguish Guests
Ladies and Gentleman

It is an honor for me to be here and to join hands with you today to launch the Sri Lanka Dam Safety, and Water Resources Planning Project.  On behalf of the World Bank, I congratulate the Government of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services and the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Management on the launch of this important project.  

Building large dams and canal systems to harvest monsoonal rainfall have been a centuries old practice in Sri Lanka.  Of these dams this man created great lake of Polonnaruwa is one of the most famous and one of the most picturesque too – it is a shining example of the vision, a lasting heritage of this ancient historic city’s famous King Parakramabahu, who said “let not a single drop of water go unused to the sea”—Ahasing wata ek diya bindak wath prayojenyata nogena muhudata gala yamata ida nothabamu”.  His vision for water resource use and management embodied in this quote might have been the driving force for building these extensive irrigation systems of this island. We hold these dams and reservoirs in high esteem even today.  They are a valuable gift from the Sri Lankan Kings of the past, to you the people of Sri Lanka. Guarding and preserving this inheritance of yours is vital as you yourself, the rural people know the true value of it.

You the people who live by these dams use it daily -- to grow rice, you catch fish, for food and to earn a living, I have seen you use it daily for baths, and to wash your water buffaloes.  The electricity that these stored waters generate is the backbone of the country’s energy generation system.  In short these dams and reservoirs are your life blood.

We all know that ageing and decaying is a natural process but like with life we need to take all steps to slow the ageing process, maintain these dams reservoirs.  Otherwise this vital national assets would not only lose its ability gradually to serve the people of this country but also can be potentially life threatening to you, the very same people that it is supposed to serve. 

I would also like to tell you here that the World Bank has just formulated new Assistance Strategy for Sri Lanka in close consultation with the Government and the people. This Assistance Strategy holds high in its agenda water resources management and development as they are central to sustainable growth and poverty reduction, especially in the regions lagging behind on development. 

As the country develops the demand for water will grow. Globally even water is a scarce resource, and it is vital that Sri Lanka plan now to use its water resources wisely.  This project will help the Government develop such plans, to allocate water resources and guide public investment decisions on new water development projects. It will also establish sustainable arrangements for operation and maintenance of large dams. The tragedy of the 2004 Tsunami showed us the importance of taking preventing measures to ensure the safety of these dams. This project will help to enhance country’s hydrological data and information management system.  This vital data will enable the country be alert to dangers of floods, enable prevention measures to be implemented and manage the country’s water resources wisely and efficiently.

The launch of this project has come at an opportune time when global food grain stocks are falling and grain food prices are rising, reminding us of the need to strengthen and expand agriculture production.  Thus it is a time to increase local production and support the farmers by keeping these dams, reservoirs and major canal systems in peak condition, enabling farmers to grow and produce much needed food for the country.  I am encouraged to see the Government’s high priority and commitment for these endeavors which is evident from the presence of His Excellency the President to grace this occasion.

The challenge now is to implement the project and achieve its expected objectives within four years. This implementation period is far shorter than the World Bank standard. However, we are persuaded by the government that the project can be implemented in such a short term with dedicated, committed well coordinated project team. May I stress here, that even with this short implementation period, it is necessary to consult with farmers and direct beneficiaries of the dams and obtain their views before the planning of the dam rehabilitation work. We assure the Government and the people of Sri Lanka our fullest cooperation to carry out these tasks successfully.

I have observed and been impressed by the tireless efforts of the Government and the World Bank teams who have worked collaboratively to make this project a reality.  It is indeed with great pride that I take this opportunity to thank all those dedicated and energetic staff of the government ministries and agencies and the Bank’s task team for collectively sharing their country specific and international experience, knowledge, and expertise.  I take pleasure in extending best wishes on behalf of the World Bank to the Government, the Ministry of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services, the Ministry of Irrigation, and the beneficiaries, the people of Sri Lanka, and wish the project every success.