Sri Lankan Authority to launch mega water project in Colombo

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence and Urban Development has unveiled plans to launch a new mega project to improve the urban water infrastructure network in Colombo.

The Metro Colombo Urban Development Project has received a concessionary $213m loan to improve main canals and lakes, secondary canals and take up storm water drainage rehabilitation programmes.

The first main component of the project addresses the various flood and drainage issues that Colombo suffers from, as well as institutional strengthening for sustainable metropolitan and local infrastructure.

Secretary to the Ministry Gotabaya Rajapaksa said, "Under this component, the city’s drainage infrastructure, including its micro-drainage channels, primary and secondary canals and lakes, will be rehabilitated."

The second component of the project is aimed at strengthening institutional capacity at metropolitan and local level, and supporting project implementation.

The development will be managed by the project management unit of the Ministry, headed by Rohan Senevirathne, under the visionary guidance and direct supervision of Rajapaksa.

The project is expected to be completed in five years.