📈 Govt Approves Rs 15 Bn Plan to Revive Stalled Kolonnawa Flood Mitigation Project

• Project Cost & Timeline: Cabinet approved a revised proposal by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to complete the remaining work of the Kolonnawa Stormwater Drainage and Environmental Improvement Project over three years at an estimated cost of Rs 15.08 Bn (Rs 15,077.82 Mn). • Key Causes for Delay: Originally launched in 2019 to handle severe local rainwater drainage, construction was heavily disrupted by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis. • Core Infrastructure Works: • Canal Construction: Completion of the 3,250 m Salalihini Mawatha canal and construction of the 3,868 m Dahamwela canal. • Upgrades & Repairs: Rehabilitation of the 4,475 m Passanna canal, 650 m Dandu Thota canal, and repairs to the Dandu Thota sluice gate. • Water Management: Building dedicated water retention ponds to enhance flow during heavy rain and installing 3 mobile pumps (capacity: 1 m³/sec each). • Social & Land Provisions: Allocates Rs 1.015 Bn (Rs 1,015 Mn) for essential land acquisition and a relief/compensation package for affected families whose daily livelihoods could be impacted during construction.