Colombo floods: 60 blocked drainage points identified across five electoral divisions

Officials have identified 60 points across five Colombo electoral divisions where blocked drains and canals are stopping floodwater from flowing away, as a joint clearing operation continued across the city on Sunday.

The work follows the heavy rain of 6 November, which caused severe flooding in many parts of Colombo. Clearing crews are operating in several areas, including Narahenpita, Bambalapitiya, Wellawatte, Kirulapone, Dematagoda and central Colombo.

Officials said the recent flooding was made worse by drainage systems that have not been upgraded, land being filled without permission, unplanned construction, and poor coordination between state institutions.

Personnel from the Sri Lanka Army, the Colombo Municipal Council, the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, the Urban Development Authority and the Road Development Authority are taking part in the operation.

The aim of the effort is to reduce the risk of future floods by improving drainage facilities in Colombo, officials said.

The Colombo Municipal Council has said the city's drainage network cannot handle more than 30 millimetres of rain, and that work to repair and maintain the system will continue alongside the emergency clearing.