Wednesday Oct 21, 2026
Wednesday Oct 21, 2026
Wednesday, 21 October 2026 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a new plan to complete the remaining work on the Kolonnawa Stormwater Drainage and Environment Improvement Project at an estimated cost of Rs. 15,077.82 million, to be implemented over three years.
The construction on the project began in 2019, but the pre-planned implementation of its components was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the
economic recession that
followed in Sri Lanka.
A new project plan and cost estimate were therefore prepared for the remaining tasks.
As per the revised plan, work will include completing the construction of the Salalihini Mawatha canal, which is currently under construction, over a length of 3,250 metres, and building the 3,868-metre Dahamwala canal. Specialised works, such as creating water ponds and water retention areas, will also be carried out.
The plan also provides for the repair of the 4,475-metre Passiyana canal and the 650-metre Dandukotuwa canal, as well as the repair of the Dandutota flood gate. Three mobile pumps, each capable of pumping stormwater at a rate of one cubic metre per second, will also be installed.
In addition, a relief allowance proposal estimated at Rs. 1,015 million will be implemented to pay compensation. It takes into account the acquisition of essential land within the project area and the impact on the daily livelihoods of affected families.
The proposal to this effect was submitted by Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake.
