Cabinet clears plan to restore Calido beach and Kalu River mouth after erosion

Wednesday, 28 January 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet has approved proposals to proceed with the restoration of Calido beach, the Kalutara lagoon and the mouth of the Kalu River, following extensive coastal erosion linked to flood control measures carried out in 2017.

According to the Cabinet decision, the erosion was triggered after the sandbar at the Kalu River mouth was breached during flood mitigation efforts undertaken amid severe flooding that year. The intervention resulted in the sandbar being fully washed away, exposing the coastline to strong wave action.

The loss of the natural barrier has led to sustained erosion along an estimated 2.5 kilometres of the Kalutara coastline. Authorities note that the river mouth has not stabilised naturally in the years since, with rapid erosion continuing along the northern coastal stretch, placing tourism activity and key infrastructure at risk.

Environmental conditions within the Kalutara lagoon have also deteriorated. Poor water circulation, rising pollution levels and sediment accumulation have contributed to ecological stress and fisheries-related issues, heightening concerns among local communities and environmental authorities.