Minister chairs progress meeting
(Posted on 2011-06-20)

Hon. Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management chaired a meeting to review the progress of ongoing rehabilitation activities of dams which are currently under renovation. A meeting focused to discuss the problems of ongoing rehabilitation works and implementation issues faced by both contractors and implementation agencies.
Minister highlighted the accountability of completing remedial works in expected quality on agreed time period. This was very successful meeting which was able to resolve some practical issues in implementing dam renovation programme.
Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources Management, Project Director of DSWRP Project, site engineers from implementing agencies and all contractors participated the meeting.
The meeting was held on 14th June 2011 at conference hall of Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.

Pre bid meeting with supply and installation contractors
(Posted on 2011-06-20)
DSWRP Project organized a pre bid meeting with contractors those who are willing to submit bids for supply & installation contracts for establishment of 122 metrological stations all over the Sri Lanka under component II of the Dam Safety & Water Resources Planning Project.
Six bidding companies appeared for the meeting for obtaining the clarifications before their bid preparation and submission. A meeting was held 14th June 2011 at the conference hall of DSWRP Project, Colombo.

DSWRPP & WRB signed MOU to establish ground water monitoring network
(Posted on 2011-06-02)
Signing of MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) by Eng. D.C.S Elakanda, Project Director of DSWRP Project and Mr. Bandula Munasingha, Chairmen of the Water Resources Board (WRB) was held on 02nd June 2011 at conference hall of DSWRP Project office, Colombo.
This MOU was signed for establishment of ground water monitoring network under component II of the DSWRP Project. The Project is providing Rs.69 millions from the project fund for this purpose.
Key officials from WRB, DSWRPP and Ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources Management participated the event.

A Training program for Backhoe operators
(Posted 20, February,2011)
DSWRP Project organized a two day residential training on “operations and maintenance of backhoe loaders”

DSWRP Project has handed over 12 backhoe loaders to project implementing agencies on the purpose of basic safety improvement of dams. The necessity of formal training for backhoe operators in these implementing agencies is highly noticed and project took necessary steps to organize this two day training programme.
27 operators from Department of Irrigation, Mahaweli authority of Sri Lanka and Ceylon Electricity Board participated the training. The training programme was held on 14th & 15th February 2011 at Mahaweli training centre in Kothmale.

Discussion on work plans of 3 Dams
(Posted 13, February,2011)

With the commencement of remedial works in dams of Kanthale, Inginimitiya and Parakrama Samudraya, the implementation plans were taken on to discussion table to expedite the renovation works.
Project Director of DSWRP Project presided this meeting with the participation of site engineers of above dams, officials from department of irrigation, contractors and representatives of Poyry consultants.
Meeting focused to discuss the work plans with ongoing rehabilitation works and implementation issues. This was very successful meeting which was able to resolve some practice issues of implementation of remedial works of above dams.
The discussion was held on 11th February 2011 at conference hall of DSWRP Project

Presented Livelihood Support Assistance Plan to Communities
(Posted 13, February,2011)

A Workshop was held on 10th February 2011, at the Divisional Secretariat – Ambalantota, to present the Livelihood Assistance Plan to Community Leaders of Farmer Organizations, fisheries Organizations and other CBOs. 
The Workshop was chaired by the District Secretary of Hambantota District.  Additional District Secretary - Puttalam, Divisional Secretaries, Community Leaders of all the farmer organization and, fisheries organization represented.  Field level officers in Various agencies also represented the work shop.

LSA Plan  on Ridiyagama Dam rehabilitation presented .
(Posted 10, January,2011)

A Livelihood Assistance Plan prepared for mitigates the social and economics negative impacts to the community of Ridiyagama due to suspension of water for one season during rehabilitation programme of Ridiyagama Dam.  A Workshop was held on 6th January 2011, at the water Front  Hotel  at Thissamaramaya to present the Livelihood Assistance Plan to officers of the stake holder institutions and  implementation agencies in Hambantota district.
The Workshop was Chaired by the Project Director of DSWRPP and Additional District Secretary of  Puttalam,  Director Planning, Divisional Secretaries, Directors, Deputy Directors , Managers in relevant Government institutes and other agencies were among the participants. 

Training programme on computer application
(Posted 15, December, 2010)

DSWRP Project organized 3 day training programme for those who are attending office works of  project implementing agencies. 24 participants from Department of Irrigation, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Electricity Board, National Water Supply & Drainage Board, Water Resources Board, Disaster Management Centre, Department of Meteriology and Project Management Unit of DSWRP Project attended the training.
This was organized during November 2010 in three consecutive Fridays at the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) at Colombo. The syllabus covered advance applications of selected computer application software during the training. All participants obtained certificates at the end of the training.

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Grievance Handling Committee to redress the appeals
(Posted 22, December,2010)

The Grievance Committee held on 16th to 19th December 2010 at Divisional Secretariat in Karuwalagaswewa, to review appeals of households in Tabbowa, regarding the livelihood support assistance (LSA). 
The lists of eligible households for livelihood assistance under the livelihood support assistance plan were published public places in Tabbowa Project in November 2010. More than 300 people appeared before the Grievance Committee.  The Committee was able to settle and redress all the issues raised by the people.

Discussed  Livelihood Support Assistance with all Community Leaders in Tabbowa
(Posted 29, November,2010)

A Workshop was held on 25th   November 2010, at the District Secretariat – Puttalam, to present the Livelihood Assistance Plan to Community Leaders of Farmer Organizations, fisheries Organizations and other Community Based Organizations (CBOs). 
Project Director of DSWRPP, Additional District Secretary - Puttalam, , Divisional Secretaries, Community Leaders of all the farmer organization and, fisheries organization represented.  Field level officers in various agencies were also represented the work shop.

Presented Livelihood Assistance Plan of Tabbowa to the World Bank
(Posted 29, November,2010)

A meeting was held on 21st November 2010, at the PMU to present the Draft LSA Plan to the World Bank.
Mr. Nihal Fernando (Team Leader), Dr. Satish Sooryanarayan, of World Bank, Project Director and Senior Officers of the DSWRPP, and the Consultancy Team of ECL Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. attended this meeting.
The proposals were to the satisfaction of the World Bank, and the DSWRPP was requested to develop the final LSA Plan incorporating the suggestions made by them.

Workshop to present the Draft LSA Plan to District Level Stake holders  
(Posted 19, November,2010)

Under the Social Safeguard Management Programme of Tabbowa Dam Rehabilitation, Livelihood Assistance Plan was prepared to minimize the negative impacts of affected families. A Workshop was held on 4th and 5th November 2010, at the Chilaw City Hotel at Chilaw.  Livelihood Assistance Plan was presented to officers of stake holder institutions and implementation agencies in Puttalam district.
The Workshop was Chaired by the Secretary – Ministry of Irrigation and Water Management and among the participants there were the District Secretary and, Additional District Secretary of  Puttalam, Project Director of DSWRPP and Directors, Deputy Directors , Managers in relevant Government institutes and other agencies. 

Training Programme on Construction management
(Posted 6, September,2010)

A training program on “construction management” was conducted by DSWRP Project. 57 participants from key dam owning agencies (Department of Irrigation, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Electricity Board, and National Water Supply & Drainage Board) participated training.
The training was given to engineers and other staff of dam owning organizations.  This was one of the major necessities identified in the field sites of the project with progressing of remedial works of dams under DSWRP Project. 
The training programme was held on 3rd, September,2010  at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo.

Workshop on technical evaluation of works & Goods under world bank guidance
(Posted 13, Julry,2010)

Workshop on “Technical Evaluation of Works & Goods under World Bank guidance”  was held  9th & 10th  July 2010 at Colombo.

Workshop organized by DSWRPP training unit for those who directly involves DSWRP Project’s work from implementing agencies. This was organized with the objective of developing capacity of human resources of implementing agencies to enhance their professional knowledge and skills on related subject fields.
A workshop was conducted with consultation of former Procurement consultant to WB & National procurement Agency.
6o participants from Department of Irrigation, Ceylon Electricity Board, National Water Supply & Drainage Board and Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka attended the workshop. Certificates were handed over for all participants at the end of programme.

 

Training on Ground water Models for Sri Lanka The first ever training programme on Development of Ground water Models for Sri Lanka was conducted jointly by the DSWRP Project and Water Resources Bard of Sri Lanka. The programme was held on 22nd to 26th, August, 2011 at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 07. Hydro Geologists from Water Resources Board and National Water Supply & Drainage Board attended the programme. It was focused on development of suitable groundwater models for Sri Lanka, their potentials and practical implications. Dr. S. S. Rao, expert groundwater modeler/principal Hydrogeologist from India, was the program consultant who attempted to create a learning environment that was both educational and professional. Course materials were presented clearly and descriptively with many practical examples and illustrations. Participants were imparted basics of modeling theory and also given a fairly enough time for hands- on practical sessions. Three case studies were presented to identify real world issues encountered in developing groundwater models. On day five they were grouped and assigned seven geographical areas to initiate development of groundwater models. These groups will meet at regular intervals to review their models before the second of the three series training is conducted in December 2011. Groundwater models provide a scientific and predictive tool for determining appropriate solutions to groundwater management issues.

Rs.151 Million worth Mobile Service Trucks to Project Implementing Agencies of DSWRPP Posted on Wednesday, 17-08-2011 The DSWRP Project organized a ceremonial session to distribute mobile service trucks among project implementing agencies of the project. Minister of Irrigation & Water Resources Management, Hon. Nimal Siripala De Silva attended the session as a guest of honour to hand over the keys of mobile service trucks. Representatives from Department of Irrigation, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka and Ceylon Electricity Board received the keys at the event. 5 mobile trucks, each of Rs.30 million worth were handed over at the occasion. These brand new service trucks have wide operational capacities to handle diverse functions such as oiling, drilling, washing of heavy machineries at the field sites. Also these trucks are fully equipped with all required tools such as drilling machines, generators, compressors to undertake urgent repairs of machineries as well as hydraulic gates of irrigation dams etc. Media brief chaired by minister also was held following this ceremonial session. Hon. Minister explained the key areas undertaken by the DSWRP Project and current programmes implemented under the Ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources Management for the media brief. K.W. Ivan De Silva, Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources Management, Eng.Dr. G.G.A. Godaliyadda , Director General of Department of Irrigation and Eng.D.C .S Elakanda, Project Director of the DSWRP Project and other Key invitees from project Implementing Agencies took part at the ceremony. The event was held on 10th August 2011 at Mahaweli Centre, Colombo 07

Country Director Visit the World Bank funded Projects in Sri Lanka Ms Diyetiras Gaye , Country Director of World Bank for Sri Lanka and Maldives along with her relevant staff visited World Bank funded projects in Sri Lanka starting from 8th August 2011. During her mission she inspected implementation progress of remedial works of Tabbowa Dam and its appurtenant structures which was identified as one of the high risk dam under DSWRP Project. On the same day Country Director had a detailed discussion with Project staff and Farmer Leaders who are affected from possible water interruption for irrigation due to the nature of the remedial works (More) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Redeeyagama Dam Renovation Ceremonially  Commenced  Posted on Wednesday, 2011-07-06 The renovation works of Redeeyagama dam was ceremonially opened by Hon  Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Irrigation & Water Resources Management on  3rd July 2011 at Redeeyagama Dam Site of Hambantota district.  Relaying of Rip-rap protection to protect the upstream slope from wave action of  water, widening Bund Top Width by 2 meters , introduce down stream Toe Filter  and improvement to Spillway and Sluice Structures are the key remedial works to  be done under the project. DSWRP Project has planned to complete this work  within 12 months period, to be last more than another 50 years. Implementation  supervision of the work is done by the Irrigation Department under the guidance of  RDI Hambantota. (More)

USBR  trained 60 Engineers on Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams under the DSWRP Project List of Participants | Agenda 2011-05-10 To address the current needs, on the invitation of DSWRP Project,  USBR conducted a six day training program on Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams”  25-30 April 2011, NAQDA Training Centre, Kalawewa, Sri Lanka. covering classroom  Lectures, Case Studies, . - (More)

Minister meets World Bank Delegates  Posted on Mo, 03-03-2011 A critical review of DSWRP project activities and situation of the main dams after the recent unusual floods was done by Hon. Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management. Ms. Diarietou Gaye, Country Director for Sri Lanka & Maldives, and Dr.Simeon Ehui,Sector Manager (South Asia) of the World Bank were the key invitees of this review meeting.

Country Director Visit the World Bank funded Projects in Sri LankaPosted on Wednesday, 17-08-2011 Ms Diyetiras Gaye , Country Director of World Bank for Sri Lanka and Maldives along with her relevant staff visited World Bank funded projects in Sri Lanka starting from 8th August 2011. During her mission she inspected implementation progress of remedial works of Tabbowa Dam and its appurtenant structures which was identified as one of the high risk dam under DSWRP Project. On the same day Country Director had a detailed discussion with Project staff and Farmer Leaders who are affected from possible water interruption for irrigation due to the nature of the remedial works. She was able to listen to presentation made by Eng. Sudharma Elakanda, Project Director of DSWRPP on overview of the project and presentation made by Eng T. P Alwis , Regional Director of Irrigation (RDI), Puttalum on remedial works of Tabbowa Dam in particular. In RDI’s presentation he clearly indicated the direct contribution to the economy after the rehabilitation of the dam as additional storage and as a result of that the additional 660 Acers could be cultivated in addition to the ensure of the public safety. During the discussion held with the farmer leaders, they explained very clearly the fear they had in their minds during the heavy rainy season and thanked to the Government and World Bank for initiating this Dam Safety Project and for the priority given to Tabbowa Dam. Similarly they explained the how effectively they have been involved for preparation of Livelihood Support Assistance (LSA) plans. And also they requested the Country Director, financial assistance to rebuild the foot bridge which was totally collapsed during the recent floods. Due to the collapse of this foot bridge, access to one village where located about 1 km downstream is cutoff totally during the time of spilling. Project Director of DSWRP Project explained to farmers and Country Director that the project has a plan to allocate funds to rebuild this bridge during project period under the public safety perspective. Responding to the farmers views , Country Director said the credit should goes to the Government of Sri Lanka and it’s officers and not to the World Bank. During this visit Country Director was fully convinced the value addition to livelihood of the people and public safety with the project intervention. At the end of the mission she has planned to visit Dambulu-Oya Dam which has already being completed under the DSWRP Project. Eng. Ivan de Silva, Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources Management and other key officials of DSWRP Project join the mission ..........................................................................................................................................................

USBR  trained 60 Engineers on “Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams” under the DSWRP Project
2011-05-10

List of Participants | Agenda
To address the current needs, on the invitation of DSWRP Project,  USBR conducted a six day training program on “Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams”  25-30 April 2011, NAQDA Training Centre, Kalawewa, Sri Lanka. covering classroom  Lectures, Case Studies, Structured Discussions and Site visits of Nachchaduwa Dam/Tank. Sixty (60) Engineers selected from Four Dam Owning Organizations (Irrigation Department, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Electricity Board and National Water Supply & Drainage Board), North Provincial Council, Disaster Management Centre and Both Universities(Moratuwa and Peradeniya)  actively participated for this program full time.  With this innovative approach of getting Resource Persons from USBR , DSWRP project was able to  train 60 Engineers at one stretch and it is no doubt that is a huge input on Dam Safety aspects for  the staff of Implementing Agencies of the project.

In most of the countries throughout the world including Sri Lanka, interest in the Safety of the Dams has risen significantly in the recent years. Aging dams, Hydrological changes and population growth in floodplain areas downstream from dams,  has resulted in an increased emphasis on dam safety evaluation as well as operation and maintenance related to the safety of dams.
Those responsible for the safety of the dams must implement policies and procedures that warrant public confidence. This demands professional practices that incorporate the lessons of the past and conform to the most advanced technical state-of-the-art. The need of trained personnel is essential.

 

Minister meets World Bank Delegates
 Posted on Mo, 03-03-2011

A critical review of DSWRP project activities and situation of the main dams after the recent unusual floods was done by Hon. Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management. Ms. Diarietou Gaye, Country Director for Sri Lanka & Maldives, and Dr.Simeon Ehui,Sector Manager (South Asia) of the World Bank were the key invitees of this review meeting.

The review focussed on the current progress of the DSWRP project and how recent flood would affect to the implementation of the project during coming months with the significant loss of Maha Season cultivations and impact to the economy etc. Hon. Minister drew the attention of World Bank team the need of expanding the project to cover remaining large/medium dams of the country and to establish Focus Flood & Early Warning System in the country since this requirement was largely felt to the people with the recent floods.

Delegates of the World Bank, Secretary to the Ministry, Director Generals of Irrigation and Mahaweli ,Project Director of DSWRP Project and officials from key project implementing agencies attended the review meeting which was held on 25th, February 2011 at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo.

Kantale Dam Rehabilitation work officially launched
 Posted on Mo, 31-01-2011

Minister stressed the necessity of widening spill tail canal to minimize flood damages

During the field visit to inspect the recent flood damages to rrigation network in Trincomalee District, Hon Minister of Irrigation & Water Resources Management , Nimal Siripala de Silva officially aunched the Kantale Dam Rehabilitation sub project, which is being implemented under the DSWRP Project, on 29th January 2011.



During this visit Hon Minister and officials realized the necessity of widening the spill tail canal and clean entire canal to minimize flood damages to people who are living downstream of the dam. It was observed that this item has not been included for the main remedial works contract, Hon Minister instructed to Director General of ID and Project Director to see how this could be incorporated to the same contract or undertake through separate contract with the project funds since this will affect to safety of the public. According to the Director General of Irrigation Department (DG/ID) value of this improvement of Spill Tail canal will be SLR 25 to 30 million.

District and Provincial Political Leaders, Governor of the Eastern Province, Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources Management, Director General of the Irrigation Department, Project Director of DSWRP Project along with the field staff and farmer Leaders participated for this event.
Value of the remedial works of Kantale Dam is SLR 106 million.

 

Media eyes aware on Dam Safety
 Posted on Mo, 17-01-2011

Heavy unusual rains and flood has created huge pressure to all the reservoir dams and structures of the country and started spilling by submerging vast area of cultivated lands and caused significant loss to the national economy during last few weeks. With this kind of behavior, nature has given very strong message to all of us and drawn the public attention for the safety of dams and Reservoirs of Sri Lanka. This is becoming the current topic of discussion and attention is now being given to revisit the steps taken to safeguard the dams and structures in the country. Evidence shows this kind of rainfall received after 100 years of time for some areas.
But it is happy to say that Government has realized this situation in advanced and planned the Dam Safety & Water Resources Planning (DSWRP) project in 2005 and obtained the funding from World Bank and now implementing the project starting from mid 2008.Under this project all the critical safety aspects such as Hydraulic safety, Structural safety and Operational safety of the all critical large dams will be ensured.
Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources Management (MIWRM) has used this opportunity to invite all the media personnel of print and electronic media and aware them on what the DSWRP project is doing to face the similar kind of water related disasters and minimize possible damages to both lives and properties in future.

Since conducting IEC (Information, Education & Communication) campaign and aware the public on the project is part of the whole process and responsibility of the Government, with the instruction of the Hon Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management, Project Director of DSWRP project has invited nearly 150 media personnel from almost all the Government & Private media institutions for this awareness program held in Colombo on 11th January 2011. Hon Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management, Senior Staff of the Ministry, Irrigation Department and Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka attended for this event.
Project Director made very detailed presentation on how this project was initiated to address challenges faced by the water sector in Sri Lanka and Additional Secretary in-charge for Water Resources Planning has explained the importance of having Water Use Master Plan for the country at this critical moment.
Media experts highly appreciated the event and all were provided project information and short video films related to large dams identified for rehabilitation under the project. That information was shared in the electronic form so that participant could use them during their media programs appropriately and conveniently.
Hon Minister has summarized the program and all appreciated the conducting such a timely important event at this moment. This was jointly organized by the project with Media Team of the Ministry.

Knowledge sharing by learning materials
(Posted 18 February,2011)

US$ 333 worthy package of learning materials from Association of State Dam Safety Officials, US, was obtained by the DSWRP Project.
These materials cover subjects of dam foundations, dam Breach & flood wave modelling, seepage and piping, ground improvements for dam safety, rapid drawdown stability and behaviour of embankment- dams during earthquakes.
DSWRP Project has made arrangement to share this learning material pack among project implementing agencies and requested the agencies to use the materials effectively and to keep them as references in their libraries.


Two New Elevators for Irrigation Department to end the Long Felt Need:
Dam Safety Project funded by World Bank has allocated SLR 8.375 Million to provide 2 New Elevators to Four Storied Building of Irrigation Department to fulfill a long felt need . After completion of installation of these elevators, this facility was declared open on 4th January 2010, with the participation of senior staff and the DSWRP project staff.
Employees of ID, particularly who are working in this building are happy about this facility. This building was constructed and opened in the year 1975. It is obvious that this facility will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of employees and created a favorable office environment for all of them work as a team.

Awareness meeting held on rehabilitation program of Venderason & Kantale dams.
Political leaders, Government Agent, Division Secretaries and other high level public officers of the Trincomelee district gathered for the district level awareness creating meeting held on rehabilitation programe of Venderason & Kantale dams on 12th November, 2009 at the office of the Government Agent, Trincomalee.

A series of local level awareness meetings commenced
First meeting of the awareness program held at Karuwalagaswewa divisional secretariat division on 20th November, 2009 on rehabilitation on Tabbowa dam. Second meeting was held at Farmer Federation level to aware representatives of Farmer organizations under the Tabbowa irrigation scheme.

Local level awareness on Ridiyagama dam rehabilitation Program
Representatives of Farmer Organizations functioning under Rediyagama irrigation scheme had participated at the local level awareness programe held at Ambalanthota Divisional Secretariat on 27th November, 2009.


Village Level awareness in Tabbowa

Village Level awareness on rehabilitation program of tabbowa dam was held on 20th October 2009

Awareness on Ridiyagama Rehabilitation program

Second awareness program was conducted for regional level government officers on rehabilitation program of Ridiyagama dam at the Divisional Secretariat, Ambalantota on 29th September 2009.

Awareness on Dambulu oya Rehabilitation Program

First awareness meeting on rehabilitation program of Dambulu Oya and Kandalama dams was held on 29th September 2009 at Divisional Secretariat, Dambulla.