Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has directed authorities to urgently commence renovation work on the Ratmalana Kandawala Road and its drainage system, which serves as a vital access route to economically important factories and higher education institutions. The Prime Minister issued the instructions during a special discussion held today (30) at the Western Provincial Council Office under her chairmanship. It was revealed that obstructions in the drainage system on both sides of the road have caused frequent flooding during the rainy season, leaving residents, service recipients, and employees facing severe difficulties. Years of neglect and unauthorized constructions have worsened the situation, despite the road’s potential to deliver significant economic and social benefits once rehabilitated. Officials identified several key causes of poor drainage, including unauthorized structures blocking rainwater flow, failure to properly clean and maintain the drainage system, and culverts and bridges being too small for current needs. The minimal height difference between the Werassa River and the drainage system, along with the groundwater level being close to the surface, were also noted as contributing factors. Prime Minister Amarasuriya highlighted unresolved land ownership issues and the failure of institutions to clearly identify maintenance responsibilities as major obstacles. She emphasized the need for all state institutions to work together beyond narrow boundaries to resolve the crisis. She further stressed that the final plan must include flood control measures to ensure uninterrupted service to the public, foreign‑exchange earning factories, and higher education institutions. The Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation has already prepared a plan, while the Western Provincial Road Development Authority is expected to carry out development work after resolving outstanding issues in collaboration with partner institutions. (Newswire) The post PM orders urgent renovation of Ratmalana Kandawala Road and drainage system appeared first on Newswire.
