June 11, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, under the direction of W.S. Sathyananda, has announced immediate actions to dismantle unauthorised constructions exacerbating flooding in Colombo and its environs.
At a briefing held at the Department of Government Information, Sathyananda outlined plans to issue a directive to all government bodies within a fortnight.
Highlighting the imperative of preserving Colombo’s wetlands and surrounding areas, Sathyananda underscored that the obstruction of small water channels and drainage systems significantly contributes to the recurring floods.
Hiran Balasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, revealed ongoing initiatives aimed at flood mitigation in collaboration with the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Irrigation Department, Provincial Irrigation Departments, and local councils.
The comprehensive flood prevention strategy for Colombo and its surroundings will be implemented across short-term, medium-term, and long-term phases.
Projects include enhancing water supply systems beyond Colombo, an Urban Landscaping Project, Palangastuduwa Pumping Station Project, Flood Control Facility Implementation and Maintenance Project, integrating real-time control data centres, the Piliyandala Master Development Plan’s drainage enhancement, and the Battaramulla catchment area’s environmental improvement programme.
