A special technical project using seawater as a short-term solution to improve the water quality of Colombo’s Beira Lake is set to be launched, with the entire initiative being funded by a private donor.
Engineer Nahil Wijesuriya has agreed to bear the full cost of the project, according to reports.
The announcement was made during a meeting held on Thursday (09) at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, where representatives from both the public and private sectors discussed plans to restore and beautify Beira Lake.
The meeting, chaired by the Chief Incumbent of Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thera, focused on the implementation of the project and the next steps required to improve the condition of the lake.
According to the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC), water quality tests conducted at 35 locations across Beira Lake revealed high levels of pollutants, including nitrogen, phosphorus and ammonia. The assessments also found significant contamination affecting dissolved oxygen levels, confirming that the lake is heavily polluted.
To address the issue, the SLLDC has already commenced several restoration measures, including the removal of floating waste and debris, clearing aquatic weeds, cleaning the lake banks, conducting continuous water quality monitoring and identifying sources of pollution.
The corporation is also carrying out dredging work to remove accumulated silt from the south-western section of the lake near the Gangaramaya Temple. Officials said the project is expected to improve lake maintenance, facilitate boat navigation and enhance water circulation.
The proposed seawater project is expected to complement these ongoing restoration efforts as authorities continue working to improve the environmental condition and long-term sustainability of Beira Lake.
