Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stressed the need for continuous preparedness and coordinated action across multiple sectors to address natural disasters arising from climate change and minimise their impact.
The Prime Minister made these remarks today (10) while addressing the Colombo District Coordinating Committee meeting held in Narahenpita.
The meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister and District Coordinating Committee Chairman and MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, focused on the floods and related disaster situations experienced in the Colombo District following heavy rains on November 6.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya noted that Colombo's geographical and urban characteristics presented particular challenges in managing flooding, adding that the current situation was the result of longstanding issues that had remained unresolved for years.
She stressed the need for a comprehensive approach covering waste management, proper garbage disposal, maintenance of waterways and the protection of low-lying areas.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also emphasised that the cleaning and maintenance of canals and waterways should be carried out continuously rather than being treated as an emergency measure during periods of flooding.
During the meeting, Colombo District Secretary Prasanna Janaka Kumara briefed attendees on major projects currently underway to improve flood and rainwater management in the district.
These include the Kolonnawa Flood Control Project, for which more than Rs. 15 billion has been allocated in connection with the Kelani River Basin Flood Control Project, and a Rs. 450 million waterway development programme in Kaduwela.
The cleaning and rehabilitation of four major canals in Kolonnawa and the development of the Kelani River banks by the Department of Irrigation were also highlighted.
The meeting further reviewed the progress of development initiatives in the district, including rural road development projects and the Praja Shakthi programme.
The Prime Minister called for timely decisions and coordinated implementation of measures to address the district's longstanding flooding challenges.
