Strengthening the long-standing friendship and development cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan, the Government of Japan has agreed to provide a grant aid of 2.179 billion Japanese Yen (approximately LKR 4.56 billion) for the implementation of the Project for the Improvement of the Pump Station in Kelani River
This grant assistance is being provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme. The Exchange of Notes related to the above grant was signed on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka by Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and on behalf of the Government of Japan by H.E. Mr. Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and the Grant Agreement was also signed on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka by Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and on behalf of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) by Mr. Shigeo Honzu, Chief Representative of the JICA Sri Lanka Office, on 28 October 2026 at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The project aims to provide a long-term solution to the flooding problems in the Mudun Ela Sub-basin, which covers the Wattala and Peliyagoda areas. The main objectives of the project include reducing flood risks, protecting urban livelihoods and economic activities, facilitating sustainable urban development, and creating a more favorable environment for investment. Under the project, a new pumping station with a discharge capacity of 15 cubic meters per second and a modern SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) monitoring and control system will be installed. This is expected to significantly reduce flood risks in the area by efficiently discharging stormwater during periods when the water level of the Kelani River rises.
The project will help safeguard the livelihoods of local residents, business establishments, industries, and transport infrastructure. It will also support the further development of Peliyagoda as a commercial, logistics, and transportation hub. Further the project will make an important contribution to improving flood management and strengthening climate resilience in the Colombo Metropolitan Region.
The project will be implemented by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC) under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.
This grant assistance reflects Japan’s long-standing and continuous support for infrastructure development, disaster risk management, and sustainable development in Sri Lanka. It represents another significant milestone in the trusted development partnership between the two countries.
