Professional Well Sinker in Sri Lanka
Well Sinker in Sri Lanka – drills and constructs water wells.
Drilling a tube well in Sri Lanka costs about Rs 900 to Rs 2,200 per foot of depth, and a traditional dug well Rs 6,500 to Rs 18,000 per foot. A submersible pump adds Rs 55,000 to Rs 220,000.
Depth is set by geology, not by choice. In the dry zone around Anuradhapura, Kurunegala and Hambantota, boreholes routinely go well past 100 feet, while in parts of the wet zone water is found much shallower. Ask what happens if the bore is dry, because a fair contract prices that risk explicitly rather than leaving you to argue about it afterwards.
Post the job on Snapwerks with your district and intended use, and well contractors near you will quote per foot with the pump priced separately.
Post your task
No fee • Takes 60 seconds
Helpful Resources
Drilling rates per foot
Tube wells and dug wells compared by depth.
Pumps and installation
Submersible pump sizing, price and wiring.
Dry hole risk
How contracts handle a failed bore and what to agree up front.
Water quality testing
What to test for and when to retest.
Services
Well and Borehole Charges in Sri Lanka (2026)
Request free quotes
Hourly Rates
Project Costs
Indicative 2026 rates for Colombo and the suburbs, based on Snapwerks quotes and published Sri Lankan market data. Outstation districts usually run 10-20% lower on labour. Expect the top of each range during the Avurudu rush in March and April and at the start of the monsoon. Always get the scope and the price in writing before work starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to drill a tube well in Sri Lanka?
About Rs 900 to Rs 2,200 per foot of depth for the drilling, casing and screen, plus mobilisation. A 150 ft bore therefore typically runs Rs 135,000 to Rs 330,000 before the pump. Hard rock costs more per foot than soft ground.
2. What does a dug well cost compared with a borehole?
A traditional dug well costs roughly Rs 6,500 to Rs 18,000 per foot of depth including excavation and concrete ring lining, so it is far dearer per foot but usually much shallower. Boreholes reach deeper aquifers and are more reliable in the dry zone; dug wells are common where the water table is high.
3. How much is a pump for a well?
A submersible pump supplied and installed costs Rs 55,000 to Rs 220,000 depending on depth, flow rate and brand, plus wiring and controls. Deeper bores need higher-head pumps, which is the main reason the range is so wide.
4. What if the borehole comes up dry?
Ask before signing. Some contractors charge full rate regardless, some charge a reduced dry-hole rate, and some include one relocation attempt. Get the answer in writing along with the survey basis, because this is the single largest financial risk in the job.
5. Is well water safe to drink in Sri Lanka?
Not automatically. Test for bacteria, hardness, iron and fluoride before drinking, particularly in the dry zone and in areas with a history of chronic kidney disease. A water quality test costs about Rs 4,500 to Rs 15,000 and should be repeated after the first monsoon following completion.
Are You a Well Sinker Professional?
Join our network and get quality leads in
Register as a professionalWell Sinker Across the Sri Lanka
Looking for a Well Sinker in Battaramulla, Boralesgamuwa, Wattala, Colombo? SnapWerks has verified professionals across Sri Lanka ready to help with your Well Sinker project.