The Cabinet has approved the appointment of two committees to oversee the conservation, rehabilitation and management of Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya, amid concerns over the deterioration of its water quality and surrounding environment.

Accordingly, a Monitoring and Management Committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Environment, will be appointed to oversee efforts to improve and sustainably maintain the lake and its catchment area.

A separate officials’ committee comprising representatives of relevant state institutions will also be established as the “Gregory Lake Conservation and Rehabilitation Action Committee.”

The decision follows a proposal by the Minister of Environment to establish a coordinated, scientifically based mechanism to maintain the water quality and environmental sustainability of Gregory Lake.

Studies conducted by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) have found that phosphate, nitrogen and biochemical oxygen levels in the lake exceed normal water quality levels.

Authorities have identified several factors contributing to the deterioration, including silt accumulation over several decades, agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides, and wastewater and solid waste entering the lake due to urban activities.

Gregory Lake and its surrounding area were declared an Environmental Protection Area in 2007, considering the ecological importance of the area. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted to call for investment proposals to lease a 10‑acre land plot near Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya, for the development of a themed recreational park aimed at attracting tourists.

The land, owned by the Urban Development Authority, was recommended for suitable development by a special committee appointed to identify unused state lands.

Under the plan, the plot will be leased to an investor for 50 years through an international competitive bidding process, based on a proposal submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development. (Newswire)

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A seaplane crashed while attempting to land on Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya due to strong winds, the Sri Lanka Police said.

The Police Media Spokesperson said only the two pilots were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.

Both pilots were injured and admitted to the hospital for treatment.

No other casualties were reported, and investigations into the incident are underway. (Newswire)

Seaplane crashes during landing at Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya, due to strong winds.

Only two pilots were on board and both have been hospitalised, police said. pic.twitter.com/2g8OJFwMPt

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) January 7, 2026

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