Colombo’s canals to be rehabilitated

Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC) is implementing 24 projects under four main fields to rehabilitate and reconstruct canals, dams and reservoirs to control floods in Colombo city and its suburbs this year.

According to the SLLRDC, the maintenance and rehabilitation of canals, lakes and walkways, flood control, development of wetlands and low-lying areas, design work, mapping and feasibility studies are being carried out under these 24 projects.

Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that many of the lakes and canals in and around Colombo are filled with invasive weeds such as water hyacinth or ‘Japan Jabara’, smelly plants, sludge, plastic bottles, beer cans, slippers, sanitary items, wastewater and oils. He said that this is the main reason for the flooding of roads in Colombo even in a drizzle.

The main canal system in and around the Colombo city region consists of 44 km. The length of the secondary canal is 52 km. The work of upgrading the canal system has been expedited.

Minister Ranatunga said that the maintenance of jogging tracks, installation of solar lights and maintenance of vehicle parking yards will also be carried out under this programme.

The maintenance of lakes, ponds, public places and walking paths in the areas of Diyatha Uyana, Japan Sri Lanka Friendship Road, Kimbulawala, Malambe, Bellanwila, Nugegoda Wetland Park and Boralesgamuwa Kelimadala Children’s Park is also being undertaken.

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