PM calls for regular maintenance of Colombo’s waterways to prevent flooding

Newswire reports that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya urged regular cleaning and upkeep of Colombo’s canals and waterways, rather than work limited to periods of flooding or other emergencies. She spoke at a Colombo District Coordinating Committee meeting in Narahenpita on Tuesday (10), where participants focused on flooding in the district after heavy rain on November 6. Ada Derana reports in its headline that she called for a coordinated response to the recurring problem.

Newswire reports that, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division, Amarasuriya attributed repeated flooding to longstanding problems that have not been resolved. She called for a broad response addressing waste management and disposal, waterway upkeep and protection of low-lying areas, and said decisions to deal with worsening problems should not be delayed further. Newswire also reports that she stressed readiness for sudden disasters and unusual weather associated with climate change, and cooperation among sectors in disaster management. Ada Derana (සිංහල) also highlights her emphasis on preparedness for emergencies in the context of climate change.

Newswire reports that Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara presented details of mitigation work under way. These include a Kolonnawa flood-control project valued at more than Rs. 15 billion, a scheme concerning flood control in the Kelani River Valley, and a Rs. 450 million undertaking to clear and improve waterways in Kaduwela. Newswire also reports plans to clear and improve four major Kolonnawa canals and an Irrigation Department project to improve the banks of the Kelani River.

Newswire reports that MP Lakshman Nipunarachchi, chairman of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee, led the meeting, which also considered development programmes and rural road works. Newswire gives no schedule for the flood-related projects.