Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has directed officials to expedite the cleaning of canals and drainage systems across the Colombo District to ensure the efficient flow of rainwater amid forecasts of increased rainfall in the coming weeks.
She instructed the relevant authorities to complete the cleaning work within two weeks and ensure regular maintenance thereafter.
The Prime Minister issued the directives on Tuesday (13) at the Colombo District Coordinating Committee meeting held at the Narahenpita District Secretariat.
During the meeting, Divisional Secretariats, the Department of Agrarian Development and the Provincial Irrigation Department outlined challenges encountered in cleaning canals and drainage networks.
Officials also highlighted difficulties arising from a shortage of technical officers and constraints in preparing plans and cost estimates for the work.
The meeting also reviewed development programmes scheduled for implementation in the Colombo District in 2026.
Officials provided updates on proposed projects in several key sectors, including rural road development, community empowerment, disaster management and the promotion of a sports culture.