Japan Pledges Over Rs. 600M for Kelani River Water Quality Project 📈

Japan has committed over Rs. 600 million for a five-year (2026–2030) initiative to improve and monitor water quality in the Kelani River basin. Implemented via JICA and JST under the SATREPS program, the project has delivered its first consignment of water testing equipment to Sri Lanka's Environment Ministry. • Funding & Objectives • Total support: Over Rs. 600 million. • Establishes a basin-wide monitoring network and an aquatic environment data platform to support evidence-based policymaking. • Aims to build policy frameworks, train personnel, engage technical experts, and conduct research to ensure safer drinking water by 2030. • Impact on Key Sectors & Infrastructure • Drinking Water & Public Health: The 145 km river serves ~25% of Sri Lanka's population and supplies 14 major water treatment facilities across Colombo and nearby areas. • Industrial Zones: Directly supports sustainable operations in over 5,400 industries, including major export hubs like Biyagama and Seethawaka. • Addresses pollution threats from industrial wastewater, untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and gem/sand mining. • Key Institutional Stakeholders • Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Environment Ministry, Department of Irrigation, Water Resources Board, and Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. • Academic partners: University of Moratuwa (hosting the Aquatic Environment Data Operations Centre), General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, and Japan's Tohoku University.