VIII SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1 Summary of findings

(a) The Survey has shown that the Mahaweli Ganga has the most reliable some of water which can be used lot a large scale development of irrigation in the Dry Zone.

(b) Soils in the area selected for development are suitable for irrigation.

(c) The Government keenly interested in the early development of phase I, and is aware of the need for strengthening and developing the necessary infrastructural support.

(d) The realizations of the project within 20-30 years would contribute substantially towards meeting the food demands of the growing population and the power demands of the expending industries. As a result of the project large and as yet untapped resources in the Dry Zone would be brought in to production large numbers of people would be resettled in agriculture; and employment would be provided for large numbers of workers in the secondary and tertiary sectors.

8.2 Recommendation

Phase 1

(a) The detailed designs of projects included in the first phase should be finalized on the basis of the feasibility studied recorded in Volume II of the final report. Field investigations necessary for the purpose should receive immediate attention.

(b) Research should be started on item such as cropping patterns, cultural practices and the optimum use of water and for these purpose the existing facilities in the Ministry of Agriculture and food and in the Faculty of Agriculture should be augmented as necessary.

(c) The Mahaweli Ganga Cabinet Sub-Committee should be established as soon as possible so that policy questions. Such as price incentives, Marketing of products, settler selection and other related matters would receive early attention.

(d) The necessary action should be taken at an early date for establishing by act of Parliament the Mahaweli Ganga Authority as an Autonomous agency.

Phase II

(a) Topographical surveys geological soils and hydrological studies necessary for the second phase of development of the project should be started immediately to ensure the overall technical balance of the scheme.

(b) Field investigation for feasibility studies of the second phase should be correlated with the Master Plan. In the same way as those carried out for the first phase.