President Reviews Kelani Flood Control and Housing Projects

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has drawn attention to the urgent need to accelerate the Kelani River flood control project, improve water management initiatives in Colombo, restore Beira Lake, and introduce a special housing program for low-income families in Ratmalana and Moratuwa.

These matters were discussed during a meeting held on Monday (18) between the President and senior officials of the Urban Development Authority at the Presidential Secretariat.

Minister of Urban Development Bimal Ratnayake emphasized the importance of adopting a special management model for selected projects to ensure proper implementation and long-term sustainability.

President Dissanayake stressed that funds allocated for new UDA projects must be fully utilized within the current financial year. He also highlighted the need to finalize projects in coordination with relevant institutions while assigning clear responsibilities for implementation and future maintenance.

The discussions focused on several major development initiatives, including flood mitigation along the Kelani River, urban water management programs, and housing projects aimed at improving living conditions for low-income communities in Colombo’s suburban areas.

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Ministry Secretary Senior Prof. Kapila Perera, UDA Chairman M.G. Hemachandra, and senior officials from several state institutions, including the Urban Settlement Development Authority, Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, National Physical Planning Department, and the Co-Management Authority, also attended the meeting.