Twinning Program is one of the key activity of the NARBO action plan. To implement this program, an Agreement and MOU were signed between Japan Water Agency (JWA) and Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka (MASL) in April 2008, to exchange of personnel for the Twinning Program. The main objective of this program is to share the experiences, especially in the Water Resources Management sector and good practices etc. between two countries. Also, for sharing experience between both parties, to develop best integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) practice. To develop good relationship between Sri Lanka NARBO and JWA is also one of the purposes of this program. We feel that, this kind of program gave us ample opportunity to share experiences in very friendly and simple manner.

For this year program, four senior engineers from MASL, namely Mr. D.B. Wijayarathna, Mr. W.A.Chandrapala, Mr. K.D.J.Premalal and Mr. W.A.Chandrathilaka participated in Japan starting from 11th May 2009 to 30th May 2009. During the first week of program JWA had organized important presentations to gain knowledge on Water Resources Policy, Agriculture & Rural Development of Japan, as well as Dam Management & coordination of water uses in draughts. In addition to that the team learns about water right practices in Japan.

Courtesy call at JWA Head quarters office	Discussion at Mie canal site

During the second week of the tour JWA had arranged field visits to major headwork sites administrates by the JWA, such as Toyogawa Canal Project, Kanayama Intake facility, Kiso River System, Nagaragawa estuary barrage and Tokuyama dam, where the team got knowledge on the latest technology adopt to meet the needs of relevant stakeholders. Also, the team visited Mie canal system, which has completed cost sharing system among the stakeholders is very impressive project.

Fish ways of Nagaragawa Barrage	At the Intake facility of Tone Canal
Recently installed dust removal machine facility	Mie canal intake for Toyogawa Canal System

During 3^rd week, the team visited to Tone Canal system, where we learned on canal intake facility and Land Improvement District. Also, had organized a presentation on Daily Water Management & Facility Maintenance an Effective Facility Maintenance by Stock Management, where clarified some issues raised by the team members.

This program had planned in such away that gave us a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with IWRM practices carried out by JWA almost throughout the Japan and also it allows us to move with Japanese unique historical and cultural heritage.

Finally, we grateful all those JWA & NARBO staff members, who helped and assistance given to us to make this program a successful and useful one.