April 24th 2024.
On Wednesday, President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran arrived in Colombo to inaugurate a $514 million hydropower project in Sri Lanka's southeastern region. This project, called the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UMODP), was partially funded by Iran and faced delays due to international sanctions on Iran's oil-rich nation. This visit marked the first time an Iranian president had been to Sri Lanka since 2008.
Upon his arrival, Raisi was warmly received by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Security was tight and roads were closed off to allow the Iranian president to safely make his way to the inauguration site, where he was greeted by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. During the ceremony, Raisi expressed his happiness at being able to assist in the project and hoped it would bring the people of Iran and Sri Lanka closer together. He also acknowledged the hard work of Iranian engineers who contributed to the project's success.
In his speech, Wickremesinghe expressed his hope for joint progress between Sri Lanka and Iran as members of the Global South. He also expressed gratitude towards Iran for their technical support in the UMODP, which is the second-largest irrigation project in Sri Lanka after the Mahaweli River diversion project in the 1980s. According to a press release from the Sri Lankan government, the UMODP was initially funded with $50 million from Iran, but due to international sanctions, Iran was unable to continue providing funds. The Sri Lankan government then decided to use their own funds and continue working with the same contractor, Farab Company, to complete the project.
The UMODP is expected to contribute 290 GWh to the national grid and provide water to 4,500 hectares of new agricultural land and 1,500 hectares of existing farmland. It will also meet the drinking water needs of many families in the Badulla, Monaragala, and Hambantota districts. This project is a significant step towards developing Sri Lanka's infrastructure and improving the lives of its people.
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