Abstract—Proper water resource management is one of the most critical problems in the world. However ongoing climate change on top of urbanization and population growth adversely impacts water resources management. Therefore, to reach the localized goals, inter-basin water transfer has been given significant attention. This paper aims to understand the importance of inter-basin water transfer from one of the water-rich basins (Kelani River Basin, Sri Lanka) to a water-stressed river basin (Mahaweli River Basin, Sri Lanka). The need for such water transfer is presented and the potential way of water transfer is understood. To be cost-effective, the proposal understands an open channel with a minimum distance of an underground tunnel to flow under gravity force. The benefits of water transfer are qualitatively evaluated under the themes of flood management, agricultural development, and hydropower development. Therefore, a sustainable water management system is expected under the inter-basin water transfer. Nevertheless, the importance of having a comprehensive hydrological and geotechnical analysis is highlighted in the paper.

Keywords—flood mitigation, inter-basin water transfer, hydropower generation, water scarcity, water resource management

Cite: Lathika Y. Hitige, Rashmi N. J. K. Arachchi, Nimal Ratnayake, Miyuru B. Gunathilake, and Upaka Rathnayake, "Potential Inter-basin Water Transfer from the Kelani River to Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka to Mitigate Water Issues," International Journal of Environmental Science and Development vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 41-48, 2025.

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