Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has criticised the government over the recent flooding in Colombo, claiming that the administration, which promised to bring about a transformation within six months, has failed even to clean the city's drainage systems.
Issuing a special statement today, Premadasa said Colombo was severely affected by heavy rainfall in recent days, while the Mayor had stated that the city's drainage system was designed to accommodate rainfall of between 30mm and 50mm.
He noted that experts had identified problems with water drainage as a major factor behind the flooding, stressing the need to repair, upgrade and properly maintain the city's drainage network.
Premadasa pointed out that although approximately 120mm of rain had been recorded, rainfall of even greater intensity had occurred in previous years, including 1992, 2005 and 2016.
He also referred to meteorological records indicating rainfall of 493.7mm in 1993 and 440.2mm in 2010, questioning why similar levels of rainfall had not resulted in a comparable disaster.
According to the Opposition Leader, the lack of development in Colombo's drainage infrastructure and the failure to remove waste from drainage channels had contributed to the recent crisis, leaving a large number of people affected.
He said the general public had elected the current administration on the promise of bringing about a new era of development within six months, but the government had failed to carry out even basic maintenance work on Colombo's drainage systems.
Premadasa further claimed that, had the Samagi Jana Balawegaya been in power, it would have introduced an advanced Storm Water Drainage System, similar to those implemented in countries such as Singapore.
He said the proposed system would have included an integrated stormwater drainage network, rainwater collection facilities, underground water storage tanks, pumping and diversion systems, and green infrastructure.
He also highlighted the flood management strategies adopted by the Netherlands, including underground water storage facilities, large-scale pumping systems, flood barriers and river expansion projects.
Premadasa stressed that Sri Lanka should study successful approaches adopted by Singapore and the Netherlands and adapt modern flood management technologies to suit local conditions.
He said such measures could help minimise flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the future.
The Opposition Leader also called for cooperation between the government and opposition, saying the priority should be to prevent a similar disaster rather than engage in political blame games.
He questioned why the government, which commands a parliamentary majority, had failed to address these issues and said solutions could not be achieved by excluding the opposition.
Premadasa concluded by urging the public to move beyond political slogans and support policies based on a genuine vision for the country's development.
