– Authorities have decided to take immediate and long-term measures to prevent flooding on the main road from Katunayake Airport to Andiambalam and Minuwangoda following repeated inundation of the area during adverse weather conditions.

The stretch of road near Naikanda Foothills Road close to the airport was severely affected during Cyclone Ditwah and was flooded again following recent heavy rains, disrupting traffic for more than five hours and causing severe inconvenience to air passengers and motorists.A special discussion on the issue was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, at the Airport and Aviation Services premises.

Among those present were Airport General Manager Aruna Rajapaksa and Civil Aviation Authority Managing Director Daminda Rambukwella, along with the Katana Divisional Secretary and representatives from the Road Development Authority, Irrigation Department, Environmental authorities, Department of Meteorology, Urban Development Authority, Sri Lanka Air Force and Police.

During the discussion, officials identified several causes for the flooding, including unauthorized land reclamation near the road and the long-term neglect of a nearby canal. It was also revealed that large amounts of sand had accumulated in the canal following floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

As an immediate solution, authorities decided to jointly investigate issues related to canal reconstruction and illegal land filling and take necessary action.

As a long-term measure, attention was also drawn to the possibility of constructing an elevated highway section in the flood-prone area to prevent future disruptions.