The Asian Development Bank (ADB) wishes to draw attention to recent media reports of plans by the ADB to develop a drinking water scheme in the area of Seruwawila.

These media reports are factually incorrect.

The ‘‘Secondary Towns and Water Supply Project’’ was approved by the ADB on 16 January 2003. Preparations for this project had started before the ceasefire agreement was in place. The project scope also covers the Muttur area. In particular, the Muttur Water Supply scheme will provide drinking water to an estimated population of 53,000 and cover all 29 Grama Niladari Divisions in the Muttur Divisional Secretary Division (DSD). Water will be piped from the Mahaweli Ganga. The project covers all areas within the DSD irrespective of ethnic or military boundaries.

The distance between Seruwawila and Mutur DSD is about 20 kilometers. In addition, no request was made to the ADB to expand the scope of the project to cover Seruwawila.