By Newswire Editorial
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has called for the regular cleaning and maintenance of canals and waterways in Colombo, stressing that such activities should be carried out continuously rather than only during floods and other disasters.
The Prime Minister made these remarks at the Colombo District Coordinating Committee meeting held in Narahenpita on Tuesday (10), where special attention was paid to the flooding experienced in the Colombo District following heavy rainfall on November 6.
According to the Prime Minister’s Media Division, she pointed out that the recurring flooding in Colombo is the result of several longstanding issues that have remained unresolved for years.
She said addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach covering waste management, proper waste disposal, maintenance of waterways and the conservation of low-lying lands.
The Prime Minister also stressed that necessary decisions must be taken without further delay to resolve problems that have worsened due to years of inaction.
She further highlighted the importance of preparing for sudden disasters and unusual weather conditions caused by climate change, emphasising the need for coordinated disaster management efforts involving multiple sectors.
Meanwhile, Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara briefed the meeting on several ongoing flood mitigation projects in the district.
These include a project worth over Rs. 15 billion to control flooding in Kolonnawa, alongside the Kelani River Valley flood control initiative, and a Rs. 450 million project to clean and develop waterways in Kaduwela.
Other initiatives include the cleaning and development of four major canals in Kolonnawa and a project by the Irrigation Department to develop the banks of the Kelani River.
The meeting, chaired by Colombo District Coordinating Committee Chairman MP Lakshman Nipunarachchi, also reviewed ongoing development programmes, rural road development projects and the Praja Shakthi programme in the district. (Newswire)