Japan grants Rs. 4.56 billion to reduce flood risks in Wattala and Peliyagoda

Japan has agreed to provide a grant of 2.179 billion Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately Rs. 4.56 billion, to Sri Lanka to improve flood management in Wattala and Peliyagoda.

The funding will support the Project for the Improvement of the Pump Station in the Kelani River basin under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme, with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Exchange of Notes for the grant was signed at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry, signed on behalf of Sri Lanka, while Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata represented the Japanese government.

A separate grant agreement was also signed by Dr. Suriyapperuma and Shigeo Honzu, Chief Representative of the JICA Sri Lanka Office.

According to the Finance Ministry, the project aims to address recurring flooding in the Mudun Ela sub-basin, which covers parts of Wattala and Peliyagoda. Rising water levels in the Kelani River can obstruct stormwater drainage, increasing the risk of flooding in nearby areas.

As part of the project, a new pumping station with a discharge capacity of 15 cubic metres per second will be installed. The facility will also feature a modern Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to improve monitoring and operational control.

The new infrastructure is expected to improve stormwater discharge when water levels in the Kelani River rise, helping reduce flood risks for surrounding communities.

The project is also expected to safeguard residential neighbourhoods, businesses, industries and transport infrastructure while supporting sustainable urban development and creating a more favourable environment for investment.

Peliyagoda, a major commercial, logistics and transportation hub, is among the areas expected to benefit from improved flood management and increased resilience to climate-related risks.

The Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation will implement the project under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.