The Government of Japan has decided to provide grant assistance of JPY 2,179 million (approx. LKR 4,539 million) for the “Project for the Improvement of the Pump Station in Kelani River Basin”. Earlier today (Oct. 28),  Ambassador of Japan – Mr. Akio ISOMATA, and Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, signed and exchanged notes in Colombo on this grant assistance.This cooperation will boost Sri Lanka’s disaster risk management capabilities and support its socio-economic development by leveraging the advanced technology of Japan, which is also a disaster-prone country.

This project aims to mitigate the impact of future flood-caused damage by improving stormwater drainage capacities in the Kelani River basin located in the Colombo Metropolitan Area. Through the construction of a stormwater pumping station using Japanese technology, the project will enhance the safety of the local people, protect socio-economic activities of the area, and strengthen resilience to natural disasters in Sri Lanka.
As climate change intensifies its frequency and severity of natural disasters, protecting vulnerable communities and strengthening disaster resilience have become urgent matters worldwide. The Kelani River basin serves as an important venue for vital economic activities in Sri Lanka by both domestic and international businesses, harboring major logistics routes, warehouses, and office buildings. This area has a history of experiencing repeated flood-caused damage, and while recovering from the damage caused by Cyclone “Ditwah” last year, concerns have also been raised over the potential impact of the El Niño on Sri Lanka’s flood risks. This project marks an important step towards enhancing the area’s resilience and safeguarding its people and infrastructure for sustainable economic activities.