Officials attached to the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development have carried out an inspection of the deteriorating Floating Market complex and surrounding Beira Lake development areas in Colombo on Friday (15).

According to the ministry, the Floating Market project, launched in 2014, included the construction of 92 shops that were leased to traders under five-year agreements managed by the UDA.

However, only around 16 shops are currently operating, while much of the complex has fallen into disrepair due to poor maintenance, authorities noted.

It was also noted that wooden and metal structures within the premises had significantly deteriorated, creating safety concerns for the public.

The pedestrian pathway linking Bastion Mawatha and D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, commonly used by commuters accessing bus and railway services, was also found to be in an unsafe condition due to damaged railings and exposed metal structures.

Authorities further stated that the area had become poorly lit and vulnerable to illegal activities after electrical systems within the complex became non-operational.

The inspection also focused on broader development concerns surrounding the 65-hectare Beira Lake area, including environmental and public health issues linked to the lake.

Observations were carried out at the eastern and western sections of Beira Lake, as well as the Gangarama area, while officials also inspected the deteriorating suspension bridge and the “Kaladuwa Bubble Shade” structure located within the lake premises.

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara and several officials from the UDA, Colombo Municipal Council and Land Development Corporation participated in the inspection. (