A special technical project using seawater as a short-term solution to improve the water quality of Colombo’s Beira Lake is set to be launched, with the entire cost to be funded by a private donor.
According to reports, Engineer Nahil Wijesuriya has agreed to provide full financial support for the initiative.
The announcement was made during a meeting held on Thursday (09) at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, where representatives from the public and private sectors discussed plans to restore and beautify Beira Lake.
The discussion was chaired by the Chief Incumbent of Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thera, with participants reviewing the project’s implementation and future action plan.
The Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC) said water quality assessments conducted at 35 locations across the lake revealed high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and ammonia, along with other pollutants that have significantly reduced dissolved oxygen levels, confirming that the lake is heavily polluted.
In response, the SLLDC has already begun a series of restoration measures, including removing floating waste and debris, clearing aquatic weeds, cleaning the lake banks, conducting continuous water quality monitoring and identifying sources of pollution.
The Corporation is also dredging accumulated silt from the south-western section of the lake near Gangaramaya Temple. Officials said the work is expected to improve water circulation, facilitate boat navigation and support long-term maintenance.
Meanwhile, the government also plans to implement a comprehensive long-term programme to preserve the cleanliness and appearance of Beira Lake under this year’s Budget allocations.
The Colombo Municipal Council, Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC) are expected to jointly implement the long-term restoration programme.
