Clean Waterways’ initiative targets Beira Lake restoration under Rs. 2.5 b plan

Western Province Governor Hanif Yoosuf addressing the press conference. others from lost HSBC Sri Lanka CEO Mark Surgenor, British High Commission Deputy High Commissionner Theresa O’ Mahony, Beira Lake Restoration Task Force Chairman Chathura Kahandawaarachchi and Clean Ocean Force CEO Jerome Fernando 

• Solar-powered boats, stricter enforcement form core of Beira Lake rehabilitation drive

By Amira Cader

HSBC Sri Lanka launched Clean Waterways, a major public–private partnership initiative aimed at restoring Beira Lake, at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo yesterday, as part of broader efforts to rehabilitate the capital’s urban environment. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Beira Lake Restoration Task Force convened by Western Province Governor Hanif Yoosuf, Clean Ocean Force and the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation.

The three-year agreement carries a total allocation of Rs. 2.5 billion, with a key performance benchmark set to evaluate progress and outcomes. As part of the launch, a solar-powered, battery-operated sailing boat designed for surface cleaning of Beira Lake was unveiled following a ribbon-cutting ceremony officiated by the Governor. 

Under the HSBC-supported initiative, two large solar-powered waste-collection boats, each capable of removing up to 3,000 kilograms of floating waste per day and operating on battery power supported by rooftop solar panels.

Yoosuf described the program as a decisive intervention to reverse years of environmental degradation. “This is a three-year commitment with a clear benchmark to measure tangible improvements. The sectional cleaning approach allows us to systematically address pollution hotspots.”

He also noted that he would be meeting with the environmental police in the coming days to take a firmer stance on pollution enforcement.

HSBC Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Mark Surgenor said the project reflects the bank’s long-term commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. 

“With over 130 years of presence in Sri Lanka, HSBC recognises the importance of Beira Lake to Colombo’s urban ecosystem. Clean Waterways brings together multiple stakeholders in a first-of-its-kind partnership to deliver cleaner waterways using proven, innovative solutions adding that HSBC would also contribute technical expertise drawn from similar projects in other markets, including Hong Kong.”

British High Commission Deputy High Commissioner Theresa O’Mahony welcomed the partnership, noting that collaborative environmental action is essential for sustainable cities and that the initiative could serve as a model for urban lake restoration efforts in the region.

Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that the waters of Beira Lake are to be treated under the same Rs. 2.5 billion rehabilitation plan, with the long-term objective of making the lake safer for swimming and other water-based recreational activities.

Beira Lake Restoration Task Force Chairman Chathura Kahandawaarachchi said dredging work is expected to begin within the next three months and that water fountains and aerators will also be installed to improve oxygen levels and support the return of inland fish species.

“Mechanical surface cleaning is only one part of the solution, by monitoring outcomes section by section, we can ensure the restoration process delivers measurable and lasting results,” Kahandawaarachchi noted. 

He further noted that untreated sewage discharge pipes leading to the Indian Ocean had been leaking at three locations over the lake. The sewage line near Cinnamon Life has since been repaired, while remedial work on two other affected locations is currently under way.

Project partners expressed confidence that the integrated approach combining technology, governance oversight and sustained funding will deliver positive outcomes in reducing pollution and restoring the ecological health of Beira Lake. 

The Clean Waterways initiative is expected to set a new benchmark for public–private collaboration in environmental restoration in Sri Lanka, with potential for replication across other polluted urban waterways in the future.