He is referring to the realization of the Moragahakanda project with the treasure depositing in its main dam of Kalu Ganga.

Addressing the national ceremony for the purpose, he said work on the project began on 25 January 2007 without funding, as the then president Mahinda Rajapaksa said there was no money.

However, two days later in Colombo, he said the Mahaweli subject would be removed from his portfolios, said Mr. Maithripala.

The president described himself as a leader who has come to understand the conscience of the farmers.

Also speaking here, prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the Moragahakanda project would be one of the several key development efforts of the national government.

All these efforts are intended to fill the pockets of the masses, he said.

The biggest multipurpose project in the country, the Moragahakanda project will irrigate 82,000 hectares of farmland in both the Yala and Mah seasons.

It will benefit 130,000 families and generate an inland fish harvest of 3,000 metric tons each year.

Also, the project will add 25 mw of power to the national grid and supply drinking water to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee districts.

It will also help prevent flooding of the Manampitiya and Somawathiya areas, and attract tourists to the target areas as well.