Cleaning and capacity‑enhancement of drainage canals around the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake commenced on Thursday (04), as part of urgent measures to tackle repeated flooding of access roads.

The work is being carried out under the leadership of a special task force appointed following a meeting chaired by Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku on May 28.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the programme aims to remove blockages, improve canal flow, and ensure proper rainwater drainage. The initiative is expected not only to minimize flooding on airport access roads but also to reduce flood risks faced by surrounding communities during heavy rainfall.

The Ministry confirmed that short‑term actions are being implemented immediately to ease difficulties faced by passengers and the public. At the same time, long‑term plans are being developed with the cooperation of relevant institutions to provide a permanent solution.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation added that the measures will significantly improve resilience against future extreme weather events. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Urban Development has launched a Rs. 218 million programme to maintain and rehabilitate 31 canal roads and associated water systems across several flood‑prone areas.

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, who inspected ongoing projects in Kolonnawa, Kelaniya, Mattakkuliya, Meethotamulla and Kotikawatta‑Mulleriyawa, said all works are scheduled for completion before October 2026.

The initiative aims to reduce flood risk, accelerate water drainage, safeguard the urban environment, and provide long‑term, sustainable solutions to recurring flood hazards.

The programme is being jointly implemented by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, the Urban Development Authority, the Colombo Municipal Council and provincial councils. (Newswire

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