Sri Lanka and Japan have signed the Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for a Japanese grant assistance package worth approximately Rs. 4.56 billion (JPY 2.179 billion) to implement the Project for the Improvement of the Pump Station in Kelani River.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the agreements were signed on Wednesday (28) at the Ministry, marking another milestone in development cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan.
The Exchange of Notes was signed by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Harshana Suriyapperuma, on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, and Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata, on behalf of the Government of Japan.
The Grant Agreement was subsequently signed by Suriyapperuma and Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka Office, Shigeo Honzu.
The grant assistance is being provided through JICA under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme.
The project aims to provide a long-term solution to flooding in the Mudun Ela Sub-basin, covering the Wattala and Peliyagoda areas, which are vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Kelani River.
Under the project, a new pumping station with a discharge capacity of 15 cubic metres per second will be constructed, along with a modern Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) monitoring and control system.
The new facility is expected to significantly reduce flood risks by efficiently discharging stormwater when water levels in the Kelani River rise, thereby improving drainage and flood management in the surrounding areas.
The Ministry said the project is designed to reduce flood risks, protect urban livelihoods and economic activities, support sustainable urban development and create a more favourable environment for investment.
It is also expected to safeguard residential areas, business establishments, industries and transport infrastructure from flood-related damage.
In particular, the improved flood management infrastructure will support the continued development of Peliyagoda as a major commercial, logistics and transportation hub.
The project is also expected to strengthen climate resilience and contribute to improved flood management across the Colombo Metropolitan Region.
The Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC) will implement the project under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.
The Finance Ministry said the grant reflects Japan’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development, disaster risk management and sustainable development initiatives.
It further noted that the assistance represents another significant milestone in the longstanding development partnership between Sri Lanka and Japan. (Newswire)