💧 Japan-Funded $143M Water Project Begins in Anuradhapura

Work has officially commenced on Phase II of the Northern Anuradhapura Water Supply Project, following a foundation stone laying ceremony attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Japanese officials. The project marks a significant step in regional infrastructure recovery following recent economic challenges. • Financial & Project Scale: Funded via a concessional loan from Japan worth approximately JPY 23 billion (equivalent to ~US$ 143 Mn). • Health & Social Impact: Aims to provide a stable supply of safe drinking water to roughly 67,000 households in the Anuradhapura District. The initiative directly targets communities heavily impacted by chronic fluorosis and kidney disease. • Cumulative Reach: When combined with the already-completed Phase 1, the entire project will collectively deliver safe water access to over 75,000 households. • Economic Context: Beyond health benefits, the project establishes an essential foundation for agricultural and industrial development in the North Central Province, improving the overall quality of life and symbolizing Sri Lanka's post-crisis recovery.