Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing W.S. Sathyananda said that measures will be taken to immediately remove all unauthorised constructions that contribute to flooding in the City of Colombo and its suburbs.
Speaking during a news conference held at the Department of Government Information, Sathyananda stated that the relevant circular will be issued to all Government institutions within two weeks.
He emphasised that conserving the existing wetlands in Colombo and its surrounding areas is crucial for the flood control efforts. The blocking of small waterways and drainage systems in these areas has been identified as a significant cause for flooding.
Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation Chairperson Hiran Balasuriya indicated that multiple projects are underway to mitigate flooding in Colombo and its suburbs. These initiatives are being implemented in collaboration with the Urban Development Authority, the Irrigation Department, the Provincial Irrigation Departments, and the Local Government institutions.
The comprehensive flood mitigation plan for Colombo and its suburbs is to be executed under three phases: namely, in the short term, medium term, and the long term.
The seven projects include the improvement of water supply systems out of Colombo and the Urban Landscaping Project, the Palangastuduwa Pumping Station Project, the Flood Control Facility Implementation and Maintenance Project including Rainwater Pumping Station Flood Gates, the implementation and maintenance of facilities established for integrated flood management systems and real time control data centres, the drainage improvement project of the Piliyandala Master Development Plan and the drainage and environmental improvement programme of the Battaramulla catchment area, which is the upper catchment area of the Parliament.
(themorning.lk)
