SRI LANKA – UVA PROVINCE
Physical Infrastructure - Badulla:
Picture 2010
Drivers/Challenges/Directions
Roads,
Picture 2030
Badulla Picture / Infrastructure / 2010
Uva Province has a total land area of 850,000 ha or 8,500 sq.km. (north to south 150 km., west to
east 93 km.) totalling 13% of the country’s land area. Uva is made up of the two districts of Badulla
and Moneragela, and is one of the most poverty stricken, neglected regions in Sri Lanka. The area
was known as the “food bowl” in the times before British and Dutch occupation, but is now
occupied by many people who are misplaced, homeless and poor.
Badulla covers an 11 sq.km land area and is identified as being within the “Central Fragile Area” in
the National Physical Plan (NPP). The NPP population settlement pattern for townships in the
Badulla district recommends the following:
Relocation:
Hali Ela, Welimada, Bandarawela, Diyatalawa, Haputale, Haldummula,
Udapussellawa, Ragala
No expansion:
Badulla, Nildandainna
Small expansion:
Keppetipola
Current issues in Badulla that contribute to problems relating to physical infrastructure include:
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Low density development and sprawl of urban development;
Ribbon style settlement patterns along main roads;
Inadequate financial resources of urban local authorities to invest in infrastructure facilities;
Poor operation and maintenance capabilities of the implementation agencies;
Run-off to water catchments, and inefficient treatment of sewerage and stormwater run-off.
Current issues directly relating to physical infrastructure include:
 Freight and passenger transport
 Water and electricity supply
o water catchment and waterway health, water cycle management, drinking water,
 Solid and sanitary waste disposal – stormwater run-off, sewerage treatment
 Telecommunications
Drivers/Challenges/Directions
ROADS
Driver:
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NATIONAL PHYSICAL PLAN identifies:
o New road expressway network through Monaragala linking Hambanthota with metro
regions of Ampara and Batticaloa (fishery harbour / domestic airport), and as far north
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as metro region of Trincomalee on eastern seaboard (fishery harbour / domestic
airport).
o Development of bus networks to improve inter and intra city connections.
Existing adequate road connections between Badulla and Moneragala, and major cities of
Colombo, Kandy, Ampara, but limited road network within some areas in the Badulla district
itself. Hali ella, Badulla and Ella were found to have good road connectivity with other centres.
(Hali ella is a short distance south west of Badulla and is recommended in NPP for relocation).
Bus services provide good connectivity between the Badulla district and major cities of Colombo,
Kandy, Nuwara eliya, Galle, Ampara. The 4 bus depots in the district are located at Badulla,
Bandarawela, Mahiyangana and Keppitipola. The Keppetipola service is the only service that
does not travel outside the region.
Challenges:
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Lack of good road connectivity between more densely populated towns within Badulla district.
Peripheral areas in the north and south of Badulla district have a low road density making it
more difficult for transport of agriculture product from these areas to market. (Agriculture
product in these areas include timber, paddy, tea and rubber).
No footpaths or provision for pedestrians on road sides.
Stormwater provision not adequately constructed along road sides.
Directions:
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Provide more “C” class roads, and road connections between densely populated areas in the
north and south of the district where they have been identified to be lacking, and where NPP
township population density program can support this. (Many areas in the south of the district
have been recommended for relocation). Topography in the north and south of the district is at
low elevations allowing easier and low cost provision of roads.
Where new roads are constructed provide footpath/s for pedestrians also, and properly
constructed stormwater drainage infrastructure
RAIL
Driver:
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NATIONAL PHYSICAL PLAN identifies
o New rail network through Monaragala linking Hambantota metro region with
international sea port and airport on southern coast to Kulmunmai and Batticoloa metro
region with domestic airport on eastern seaboard.
o Progressive linkage of un-serviced areas based on studies and analysis, and emphasises
preference for container transport by rail.
Challenges:
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The rail service within Badulla operates within the southern part of the district only. There are
good rail connections from Badulla to the major cities of Colombo and Kandy and other centres
including Nuwara eliya, however there is no existing service between the two district capitals in
the Province of Badulla and Moneragala.
Directions:
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Construct railway between Badulla and Monaragala to provide transport linkages for both
centres in Uva with access to international harbours and airports in Hambantotha and Colombo.
New road construction should also allow for footpath/s and proper storm-water drainage
systems to be put in place
POWER
Driver:
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NATIONAL PHYSICAL PLAN identifies:
o Establishment of settlements and urban centres with sustainable infrastructure facilities
to minimise unemployment and poverty.
o Access to urban centres for more than 70% of the population and balance of 30%
population given the opportunity of living in rural centres with adequate infrastructure
facilities to carry out rural economic activities.
2006/07 data from Sri Lanka’s Department of Census & Statistics advises that for Badulla district
75% electricity usage is domestic, and 25% usage is divided between commercial, industrial,
religious and other uses.
Provision of mini-hydro power plants for electricity supply to villages located in remote areas.
264 potential locations have been identified.
35 proposed bio gas projects identified in Uva Province as alternative to electricity for power
supply.
Proposed Electricity Supply Schemes: 2 new grid substations, 40 km. of new 33kV lines, 4 new
33 Kv gantries.
Challenges:
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Electricity is used by 78% of the Badulla district population and electricity demand is increasing.
This usage is divided into 3 sectors of urban 88.6%, 59.6% rural and 48.5% Estate. Electricity in
domestic situation is mainly used for lighting.
o Kerosene and solar power are alternative sources of power also used for lighting.
o Firewood is major fuel used for cooking at 91%
22% of Badulla district’s population is not connected to electricity.
Topography can be major obstacle to providing electricity, however the townships of Badulla,
Bandarawela and Haputale at heights between 600-1800 m above sea level are well serviced.
An under-supply of electricity has been recorded in areas including Haldummulla (recommended
for relocation) in the south of the district and Rideemaliyadda, Lunugala and Kandaketiya north
of Badulla township, where elevations are between 150-600m.
Scattered settlement pattern is an issue.
Current electricity demand approximately 148257.7 MWh, however 115640.5 MHw supply
available. An increase in demand is expected for a rising population with expected demand by
2021 estimated at 192382.7 MWh, and expected demand by 2031 estimated at 211642.2 MWh.
Directions:
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Investigate areas where electricity may be easily provided (distance from current service,
availability, cost), taking into account the NPP recommendations for township settlements and
relocations.
Research funding options and prepare plans and timelines for Badulla district for the best
placement and provision of:
o The 264 small mini-hydro power plants proposed for Uva Province for power supply to
remote areas.
o The 35 bio gas plants proposed as alternative sources of power supply for every
Divisional Secretariat Division.
o The proposed electricity supply schemes
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2 new grid sub-stations
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40 km of new 33kV lines
- 4 new 33 Kv gantries
Prepare time-line plan for implementation of power to townships and communities
including source of power to be used.
WATER
Drivers:
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NATIONAL PHYSICAL PLAN
o Establishment of settlements and urban centres with sustainable infrastructure facilities
to minimise unemployment and poverty.
o Access to urban centres for more than 70% of the population and balance of 30%
population given the opportunity of living in rural centres with adequate infrastructure
facilities to carry out rural economic activities.
Water Sources: reservoirs, rivers, waterfalls, ground water, rainwater, wells.
Major water source is in northern area of Badulla district.
Challenges:
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Badulla oya major water source from where water is directed to treatment plant to purify.
Some of this water is then directed to pumping station to service higher elevated areas however
pipelines used are in bad state of disrepair resulting in 30% water loss.
The Badulla Municipal Council area is the only area within the district with piped water available
to it.
Purification is required to provide safe drinking water to community because of chemicals and
run-off into water catchments from unsafe agricultural, industrial and domestic practices.
Topography and sprawled out settlement patterns is detrimental to supply of a cost effective
water supply system.
Ability of people in community to pay water bills.
14.4% of Badulla district population obtaining water from unsafe sources (rivers, tanks,
reservoirs).
Directions:
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Educate community about current practices detrimentally affecting quality of water in
catchments.
Extend supply of piped water to areas north, south west, and east of Badulla by using gravity
feed system.
Introduce statutory practices for buffers to water catchments from agriculture and industry.
Encourage connection of water tanks to buildings and houses to provide rain water for
household and other uses and to provide safe drinking water.
SANITATION / DRAINAGE
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NATIONAL PHYSICAL PLAN identifies:
o Establishment of settlements and urban centres with sustainable infrastructure facilities
to minimise unemployment and poverty.
o Access to urban centres for more than 70% of the population and balance of 30%
population given the opportunity of living in rural centres with adequate infrastructure
facilities to carry out rural economic activities.
Challenges:
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Only 86% of households in Badulla district have toilet facilities.
Poor infrastructure for stormwater and sewerage.
Poor rubbish disposal practices, lack of rubbish bins, recycling opportunities.
Directions:
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Educate community about hygienic sanitary and rubbish disposal practices.
Establishment in each community of regular rubbish collections.
Create community incentives, rewards, “Tidy Towns”.
Construct covered/piped drainage and sewerage systems.
IRRIGATION
Drivers:
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NATIONAL PHYSICAL PLAN
o Establishment of settlements and urban centres with sustainable infrastructure facilities
to minimise unemployment and poverty.
o Access to urban centres for more than 70% of the population and balance of 30%
population given the opportunity of living in rural centres with adequate infrastructure
facilities to carry out rural economic activities.
o Encourages expansion of irrigation areas to increase availability of land for agricultural
use.
Mahawelli Irrigation Project. Government funded irrigation project extending into Uva Province.
Larger opportunities for irrigation in Mapakada region in north of Badulla district
Challenges:
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Dependence on small scale irrigation schemes for watering of agriculture product (tea, paddy
fields).
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Degradation/pollution of water catchments.
Reduction of crop yield in Yala (dry) season due to low rainfall and shortage of water in small
scale irrigation schemes.
Directions:
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Investigate what further advantages can be generated from the Mahawelli Irrigation Project
beyond the benefits to the Giradurukotte area.
Investigate opportunities for establishment/extension of hydro power generation plants from
irrigated waters in the district to provide more water for the future to the district for agriculture
and power generation for Uva Province, and beyond.
COMMUNICATIONS
Drivers:
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NATIONAL PHYSICAL PLAN
o Establishment of settlements and urban centres with sustainable infrastructure facilities
to minimise unemployment and poverty.
o Access to urban centres for more than 70% of the population and balance of 30%
population given the opportunity of living in rural centres with adequate infrastructure
facilities to carry out rural economic activities.
Administrative facilities
Challenges:
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Topography of land to construct communications towers infrastructure.
Administrative facilities are concentrated in the Badulla township, and Bandarawela.
Directions:
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Administrative facilities must be established in Moneragala and other high density areas of the
Province. There will be demand for these facilities in Moneragala especially when it becomes a
part of the major rail and road routes from Hambantotha to areas further north on the eastern
seaboard.
Badulla Picture / Infrastructure / 2030
Roads:
 Provision of more “C” class roads, and better road connections between densely populated
areas in the north and south of the district, where NPP township population density program
can support this. This will provide better opportunity for farming community to access regional,
national and international markets with development of the new Hambantotha shipping port
and air port for export of agricultural goods, and encourage promotion of manufacturing sector.
 When constructing new roads provision should also be made for footpath/s and proper stormwater drainage infrastructure to be put in place.
Railway:
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The NPP has provided for a rail service between Hambantotha and cities to the north of
Moneragala on the eastern sea board. Once this is constructed provision of a rail service
between Moneragala and the existing service at Badulla will provide Uva with an all-round link
between many major centres creating many opportunities and economic benefits for the
Province as it would allow better access in the transport of goods, passenger travel, tourism, etc.
Electricity:
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Badulla district will be supplied with adequate power to meet population demand. This will be
achieved by government funding to upgrade current electricity infrastructure, and construct
new infrastructure for power supply from gas and hydro power plants proposed for the
Province.
Water:
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Through community education programs the community will be better informed on safe water
practices for water catchments.
Through municipal council, statutory regulations introduced and enforced requiring buffers from
waterways for protection of water catchments from agricultural and industrial practices.
Piped water supply extended through gravity feed system to areas north, south west, and east of
Badulla.
Water tanks connected to buildings and houses where possible to provide rain water for
household and other uses and to provide safe drinking water. New government buildings,
hospitals etc. to lead by example.
Sanitation /Drainage:
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Community through community education programs will be better educated and encouraged
(Tidy Towns example) to use safe sanitary and rubbish disposal practices and will be provided
with a regular rubbish collection and recycling services.
A program for improvement and provision of covered stormwater drainage system introduced
and gradually implemented as government funding becomes available.
Irrigation:
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Generation of more irrigation projects to create benefits beyond those existing in the
Giradurukotte area.
Establishment/extension of hydro power generation plants from irrigated waters in the district
to provide more water for the future to the district for agriculture and power generation for Uva
Province, and beyond.
Communications:
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Expansion of administrative facilities to Moneragala and other high density areas of the Province
to provide for demand for these facilities in Moneragala especially when it becomes a part of the
major rail and road routes from Hambantotha to areas further north on the eastern seaboard as
identified in the NPP.