Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has directed officials to clean canals and drainage systems across the Colombo District within two weeks, ahead of forecasts of increased rainfall in the coming weeks.
She gave the instruction on Tuesday at the Colombo District Coordinating Committee meeting at the Narahenpita District Secretariat, and asked for regular maintenance afterwards.
Divisional Secretariats, the Department of Agrarian Development and the Provincial Irrigation Department described difficulties with the work. Officials cited a shortage of technical officers and problems preparing plans and cost estimates.
Clear drains help rainwater flow away and reduce the risk of flooding in low-lying parts of Colombo and its suburbs.
The meeting also reviewed development programmes planned for the district in 2026, including rural roads, community empowerment, disaster management and the promotion of a sports culture.
