November 29, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe has raised fresh concerns over the number of families still choosing to remain in homes along the Kelani River, particularly in areas such as Kaduwela, Colombo, and Kolonnawa, despite the growing threat of severe flooding.
He cautioned that once the river begins to spill over further, evacuation becomes far more dangerous and at times impossible, stressing the importance of moving to safer ground without delay.
Authorities expect water levels to surge unpredictably throughout the night, prompting renewed calls for public cooperation. Several neighbourhoods in Kotte have also been identified as being at heightened risk, with officials warning residents to stay vigilant.
In response to the developing situation, the Kotte Divisional Secretariat has set up a dedicated Disaster Management Operations Centre, while seven temporary shelters have been prepared to accommodate those displaced.
These include community halls and schools in Obeysekarapura, Moragasmulla, Bandaranaikepura, and Rajagiriya. Police have been stationed at each site to maintain security and support orderly evacuations.
Grama Niladhari officers and local council members are working closely with relief teams to distribute meals, medical supplies, and other essentials to families already relocated. Discussions held earlier today brought together government and opposition figures, along with community leaders, to review the response strategy. Participants collectively agreed that the Divisional Secretariat would oversee the release of necessary funds, with the Municipal Council stepping in to meet additional costs.
The meeting was attended by Mayor Arosha Atapattu, MP Harsha de Silva, and representatives from across the political spectrum, who emphasised the need for unified action as the situation continues to evolve.
