– The foundation stone for the first phase of a provincial Groundwater Resources Board Management Unit in Jaffna was laid today (16) under the patronage of Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody.The project, estimated to cost Rs. 189 million, is expected to be completed within 300 days.The Jaffna Water Management Office is being established as part of the expansion of projects implemented by the National Water Resources Board, in line with the Government’s ‘Thirasara Diyawara’ (Sustainable Water) national program.The initiative aims to protect surface and groundwater resources, continuously monitor water quality and promote the sustainable use of water resources for the benefit of future generations.

The foundation-laying ceremony was attended by Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Minister and Jaffna District Coordinating Committee Chairman Ramalingam Chandrasekaran, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam, Groundwater Resources Board Chairman R.M.S. Bandara and officials, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Dr. Sunimal Jayatunga, the Jaffna District Secretary, district political representatives and other government officials The Integrated Watershed and Water Resources Management Project, supported by the World Bank, is to be implemented under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation.