JICA and the Government of Sri Lanka Sign Grant Agreement for the Improvement of the Pump Station in Kelani River Basin

On 28^th October 2026, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka signed a Grant Agreement for the implementation of the Project for the Improvement of the Pump Station in the Kelani River Basin, with grant assistance amounting to 2.179 billion Japanese Yen (approximately LKR 4.56 billion).

The project represents a significant step towards strengthening flood resilience in the Colombo Metropolitan Region and reducing the impacts of recurrent flooding in vulnerable urban communities within the Kelani River Basin.

The Kelani River Basin is one of the most important economic and urban areas in Sri Lanka. However, rapid urbanization, the loss of natural flood retention areas, and increasing surface runoff have heightened flood risks in recent years. In particular, the Wattala and Peliyagoda areas experience frequent inundation when elevated water levels in the Kelani River prevent stormwater from draining naturally through the Mudun Ela canal system.

To address this challenge, the project will construct a drainage pumping station with a pumping capacity of 15 m³/s, together with associated monitoring, control, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. The new facility will enable stormwater to be discharged into the Kelani River even during periods of high river water levels, significantly improving drainage performance and reducing flood risks in the surrounding communities.

The project has been identified as a priority investment under the Stormwater Drainage Plan in Selected Areas in the Colombo Metropolitan Region (2023) supported by JICA, and is aligned with the Kelaniya Development Plan (2021–2030). By improving flood management infrastructure, the project will help safeguard residential areas, commercial establishments, transport networks, and public facilities from flood damage.

The project also supports the Government of Sri Lanka’s policy shift toward proactive disaster risk management and anticipatory action. As an important ex-ante investment in flood resilience, it will help reduce the impacts of future extreme weather events, including severe cyclonic storms such as Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread flooding and damage across Sri Lanka in November 2025.

The expected benefits extend beyond disaster risk reduction. Improved drainage capacity will support sustainable urban development in Peliyagoda and neighboring areas, which play a vital role as commercial, logistics, and transportation hubs within the Western Province. The project will also create a more resilient environment for future public and private sector investments, contributing to long-term economic growth and enhanced quality of life for local communities.

The initiative forms part of JICA's continued support for strengthening Sri Lanka's resilience against natural disasters and climate-related risks. Through strategic investments in disaster risk reduction and urban infrastructure, JICA remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka's sustainable development objectives and enhancing the safety and well-being of its people.

JICA will continue to work closely with the Government of Sri Lanka and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the project, contributing to a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future for communities in the Kelani River Basin.