Wattala and Peliyagoda are set to receive a new flood-control project worth about Rs. 4.56 billion, with Japan providing the funding through a grant.
The project will build a new pumping station in the Kelani River basin. It will help remove stormwater faster when the Kelani River rises.
Japan has agreed to provide 2.179 billion Japanese yen for the project. The grant comes under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Program, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
New Pumping Station to Handle Rising Water
A new pumping station will be installed in the Mudun Ela sub-basin, which covers parts of Wattala and Peliyagoda. The station will have a discharge capacity of 15 cubic metres per second. It will also use a modern Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control the pumping operation.
Flooding can become worse when the Kelani River rises. At such times, high river levels can slow the flow of stormwater out of the area.
The new system is designed to improve that discharge. As a result, surrounding communities are expected to face a lower flood risk.
Protection for Homes, Businesses and Transport
Flood control in this area matters beyond residential communities.
Peliyagoda is an important commercial, logistics and transport centre. Flooding can affect businesses, industrial activity and transport infrastructure in the area.
The project is therefore expected to help protect residential areas, businesses and industries while improving the resilience of transport infrastructure. Better flood management is also expected to support urban development and improve conditions for investment.
Japan and Sri Lanka Sign Grant Agreements
The Exchange of Notes for the grant was signed at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma signed on behalf of the government, while Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata represented Japan.
A separate grant agreement was signed with JICA by Dr. Suriyapperuma and Shigeo Honzu, Chief Representative of the JICA Sri Lanka Office.
Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation will implement the project under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.
For Wattala and Peliyagoda, the project is aimed at providing a long-term way to manage stormwater when the Kelani River rises and reduce the flood risks faced by communities and economic activity in the area.
Developments MOU & Partnership
Last modified: October 29, 2026
