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Japan funds Rs. 4.56 billion Kelani River pumping station upgrade

Japan has committed 4.56 billion rupees to modernise the Kelani River basin pumping station, enhancing flood management and water resource infrastructure in the Western Province.

LSN Sri Lanka · 14 October 2026

Japan's latest development assistance to Sri Lanka will support critical upgrades to the Kelani River basin pumping station, a key facility managing water distribution and flood control in the densely populated Western Province.

The 4.56 billion rupee grant reflects Japan's continued investment in Sri Lanka's water resource management and infrastructure development. The pumping station plays a vital role in regulating water flows from the Kelani River basin, which serves multiple districts and supports both agricultural and urban water supply requirements.

The upgrade project is expected to enhance the operational efficiency of the facility, incorporating modern technology and infrastructure improvements to better manage seasonal variations in river flow and mitigate flood risks in surrounding communities.

Japan has maintained a significant development partnership with Sri Lanka across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on infrastructure resilience and disaster risk reduction in vulnerable regions. The Kelani River basin, which encompasses areas prone to seasonal flooding, has been a focus area for water management interventions in recent years.