Restoration of Watershed Subsystems in Welikanda DSD, Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka

August 11, 2026 – Global Affairs Canada must determine whether the proposed, is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

To help inform this determination, Global Affairs Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online. 

Written comments must be submitted by September 10, 2026 to:

Comments IAA Registry
Global Affairs Canada
111 Sussex Dr.
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Email: CommentsIAARegistry-CommentairesRegistreLEI@international.gc.ca

Project Description

The ACCESS Sri Lanka Project, implemented by World Vision Lanka, aims to improve climate resilience, water security, and agricultural livelihoods within the Welikanda Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) located in Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka. Activities will be conducted in several watershed subsystems associated with existing community irrigation reservoirs.

The proposed activities include the rehabilitation of existing irrigation reservoirs through desilting works, rehabilitation of irrigation canals, repair and improvement of existing water management infrastructure, implementation of erosion control measures, restoration of degraded watersheds, restoration of riparian vegetation, management of invasive species, and various activities related to water resource management and protection.

The structures associated with the project include existing irrigation reservoirs, irrigation canals, embankments, water control structures, and other hydraulic infrastructure connected to existing community irrigation systems.

The decision required from Global Affairs Canada is to determine, pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), whether the proposed physical activities are likely to cause adverse environmental effects and whether the activities may proceed with the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. The project is supported through funding provided by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.

The project area is characterized by a predominantly rural landscape consisting of agricultural lands, man-made irrigation reservoirs, irrigation canals, areas of natural vegetation, and watershed systems vulnerable to erosion, sedimentation, and climate variability. The local environment includes both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems associated with reservoirs, waterways, and riparian habitats.