Japan grants Rs. 4.56 billion for Kelani River flood mitigation project

Newswire reports that Sri Lanka and Japan signed two grant documents at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on Wednesday the 28th, for JPY 2.179 billion, or about Rs. 4.56 billion. Daily Mirror also reports a value of about Rs. 4.56 billion, while Sri Lanka Mirror estimates LKR 4.539 billion and Newsfirst gives approximately Rs. 4.54 billion.

Newswire reports that Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma signed the bilateral notes with Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata. It says Suriyapperuma and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka Office Chief Representative Shigeo Honzu signed the grant document. Newswire reports that JICA will administer the funding as part of Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme.

Newswire reports that the work targets the Mudun Ela sub-basin, including Wattala and Peliyagoda, which can flood during heavy rain and when the Kelani River rises.

Newswire reports the project is intended to improve stormwater removal and lower flood exposure, helping protect homes, businesses and industrial sites while supporting urban livelihoods, development and investment. Separately, Daily FT and Daily Mirror report Japan has pledged more than Rs. 600 million for a five-year project to track and improve water quality in the Kelani River basin; Daily Mirror says the first water-testing equipment was handed to Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi on the 26th.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.