Renowned philanthropist Eng. Nahil Wijesuriya, FIMarEST, has clarified recent state media reports suggesting that he had offered financial assistance for the Beira Lake restoration project, according to a report by the state newspaper Dinamina.

Wijesuriya stressed that while he remains committed to supporting genuine efforts to rehabilitate the Beira Lake, his offer was one of technical expertise, not financial support.

“At the meeting in question, I stated that I am willing to provide my technical expertise and professional knowledge on how the restoration can be undertaken effectively,” he said, noting that he had previously provided similar assistance free of charge during the tenure of former UDA Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

Drawing on decades of engineering experience, including service as Chief Engineer of Colombo Dockyard and international work with P&O Lines and the Ceylon Shipping Corporation, Wijesuriya emphasized that successful restoration requires careful planning, sound engineering, and a long‑term science‑based approach.

“I remain ready to contribute my expertise in the national interest if the Government wishes to draw upon it. It is important that my comments are accurately represented. My offer has always been one of technical assistance, not financial assistance,” he added.

Wijesuriya’s comments come after it was recently reported that he had agreed to provide full financial support for a special technical project using seawater as a short-term solution to clean Colombo’s Beira Lake.

At the time , it was reported that the entire cost of the initiative was to be funded by Nahil Wijesuriya. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has confirmed that a bacterial infection caused the recent deaths of animals in Beira Lake.

Chief Veterinary Officer Mohammad Ijaz said that laboratory tests on tissue samples from the deceased birds identified the Pasteurella multocida bacteria as the cause.

Following the discovery, CMC officials have begun administering antibiotic vaccinations to the remaining animals to prevent further infections.

Additional blood tests and investigations are ongoing to monitor the situation, the CMC said. (Newswire)

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Directives have been issued to the heads of relevant institutions to submit reports on the progress and future plans of the Beira Lake Development Project to President Ranil Wickremesinghe by December 15, 2023.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the directives were issued by Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka.

Ratnayaka also instructed the same officials to promptly provide a report on the Colombo city beautification plan and its current status for immediate submission to the President.

These directives were issued during a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on the implementation of the Colombo City Beautification Plan and the progress review of the Beira Lake Development Project on Monday (Dec 04). 

The meeting focused on various aspects, including the development of identified land around Beira Lake for public activities in collaboration with the private sector. 

The discussion also addressed ongoing efforts to prevent sewage pipes from being diverted into Beira Lake, aiming to reduce the percentage of bacteria and algae in the lake.

Several key points were also discussed, such as the redevelopment of the central bus station at three locations near the Fort railway station, collaboration with the private sector for commercial development of the current bus station location, removal of unsafe trees in the Colombo city and replanting suitable trees. 

The meeting delved into identifying and maintaining dilapidated buildings, creating a regulatory plan for traffic flow, passenger pick-up and stopping and progress on projects to regulate rainwater drainage.

Furthermore, a joint program with the Sri Lanka Police, Colombo Municipal Council, and Trade Associations was discussed to reduce and manage congestion in Colombo during the upcoming Christmas season. 

Senior officials from the Colombo Municipal Council, Urban Development Authority, Road Development Authority, Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation and Sri Lanka Police participated in the discussion. (NewsWire)

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