60 Blocked Drains Contribute to Floods in Col.

Sixty Blocked Drains Identified as Contributing to Flash Floods Across Colombo

by Staff Writer 09-11-2026 | 8:51 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development says 60 locations in Colombo with blocked drainage systems have been identified.

Accordingly, a special joint programme involving several government institutions has been launched to control flash flooding in Colombo caused by heavy rainfall.

The Ministry said clearance operations are currently underway at several high-impact locations, including:

Kirimandala Mawatha in Narahenpita

Haig Road in Bambalapitiya

Collingwood Place and Parakum Mawatha, Wellawatte

The Coorey Municipal Housing Scheme premises

Stafford Road, Kirulapone, and the adjoining Kirulapone Canal

Heen Ela near Baseline Road

Arama Road, Dematagoda

New Bazaar area in Central Colombo

De Mel Watta and Paradise Road

The special programme covers five electoral divisions within the Colombo Municipal Council limits.

The initiative is being carried out with the participation of several government institutions, including the Sri Lanka Army, Colombo Municipal Council, Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation 
(SLLDC), Urban Development Authority and Road Development Authority.