The inaugural ceremony of a special project to demarcate reserve boundaries around the Matale Wamaddilla reservoir was held on September 27, 2025, as part of the "Clean Sri Lanka" national programme aimed at conserving the country’s vital water resources. The Wamaddilla reservoir is recognized as a major lifeline supporting agriculture and the livelihoods of people in the Matale district.
Since its establishment, the reservoir has faced several challenges, including unauthorized land encroachments within its reserve, water pollution caused by human activities in the catchment area, and illegal sand mining. These issues have been identified as significant threats that could impact the reservoir’s sustainability and the surrounding ecosystem.
The newly launched programme seeks to address these concerns by clearly marking the legal reserve boundaries of the Wamaddilla reservoir with permanent boundary stones. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving multiple government agencies dedicated to protecting this crucial water source. Residents and the wider community are urged to respect these boundaries to ensure the reservoir’s water quality and longevity are preserved for future generations.
This project marks a vital step in safeguarding one of Matale’s key environmental assets, reinforcing efforts to promote sustainable water management and protect ecosystems that are essential to both agriculture and public well-being.