Sri Lanka will launch a Rs. 2.5 billion project to clean up Beira Lake in the heart of Colombo, aiming to restore water quality and make the lake safe for recreational activities, officials said.
Authorities said 192 illegal sewage discharge points releasing untreated waste into the lake have already been identified and closed as part of the clean-up drive. The project addresses long-standing pollution caused by raw sewage, industrial effluents and unregulated waste disposal.
Dredging of the lake bed is expected to commence within the next three months, alongside the installation of water fountains and aerators to improve oxygen levels and water circulation, officials said. These measures are intended to enhance water quality and revive aquatic life.
The restoration programme aims to eventually make Beira Lake suitable for activities such as swimming and water sports, while also improving the surrounding urban environment.
Officials added that the initiative forms part of a broader urban environmental rehabilitation effort focused on protecting key water bodies in Colombo and preventing future pollution through stricter enforcement and monitoring.
