ADB approves $300 million for Sri Lanka’s water and sanitation sector

Newswire, Daily Mirror and Ada Derana report that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a total of $300 million for two initiatives to improve water and sanitation services across Sri Lanka. Newswire says the investment is expected to expand reliable drinking-water access for more than 1.3 million people.

Newswire reports that $200 million will fund the Climate-Resilient Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Project. It says the work will improve water provision in the Western and Southern provinces and sewerage and sanitation for nearly 250,000 people in Jaffna, in the Northern Province.

Newswire says planned construction includes climate-adapted treatment plants, water conveyance and distribution systems, and reservoirs in Colombo and Lunugamvehera. It also reports plans for wastewater treatment, sewerage systems and pumping stations in Jaffna. The project is intended to curb water losses, increase renewable energy use, bolster the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and draw greater private-sector involvement.

Newswire reports that the other $100 million is for a further phase of the Water Supply and Sanitation Reform Program. It says the funding will support better sector oversight and service delivery and attract private financing, with changes relating to water resources, sanitation, climate resilience, tariffs and the water board’s financial sustainability.

Newswire attributes to ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Shannon Cowlin the view that dependable, sustainable water and sanitation services are important to public health and economic growth. Newswire says she described the initiatives as supporting improved governance and services, alongside stronger institutional resilience and financial sustainability.