Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has instructed officials to expedite the cleaning of canals and drainage systems in the Colombo District within the next two weeks, in anticipation of increased rainfall in the coming period.

She also directed that regular maintenance be carried out thereafter to ensure the efficient drainage of rainwater.

The Premier issued these instructions yesterday (13) at the Colombo District Coordinating Committee meeting held at the Narahenpita District Secretariat.

Officials from Divisional Secretariats, the Agrarian Development Department and the Provincial Irrigation Department also highlighted challenges arising from shortages of technical officers and difficulties in preparing plans and estimates.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has called for a review of the country’s existing drainage systems as changing climate patterns bring more intense rainfall.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, DMC Media Spokesperson Pradeep Kodippili said increasing rainfall intensity had raised concerns about whether existing drainage infrastructure could cope with heavy downpours.

“There are situations reported where areas receive up to 500 millimetres of rain within three to four hours. This is a time when we see the climate continuously changing,” he said.

Kodippili said Local Government Authorities needed to account for these changes when planning and developing drainage infrastructure. Existing gutter systems should be reviewed and improved where necessary to ensure rainwater could drain effectively during heavy rainfall, he added.

He stressed the importance of taking preventive measures before such incidents occur to minimise flooding risks and their impact on communities.