The Mahaweli Scheme is a comprehensive multipurpose water resources development that harnesses the hydroelectric and irrigation potential of the Mahaweli Ganga, Sri Lanka's largest and most important river. Overall responsibility for implementing and managing the Mahaweli Scheme rests with the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.

In 1983, CIDA provided funds to support and assist with all aspects of formation and development of the Water Management Secretariat. Hatch Energy was retained to provide this support through the execution of the Mahaweli Water Resources Management Project. A significant component of the MWRMP was the application of sophisticated computer models to provide decision support assistance to the WMS. The computer models were set up on an IBM 4331 computer donated by CIDA. This computer has reached the end of its useful life and is being replaced with personal computers configured in a local area network.