Flood control project in Negombo lagoon

Shirley Wijesinghe

The Government spent more than Rs. 6 million on flood relief for discalced persons in the Negombo lagoon, Fisheries Minister Felix Perera said.

The persons displaced by flood occurred due to the overflowing of excess water in the lagoon and its tributaries exceeded 41,000 during the last three years, he said. He was speaking to the media at the Villa Palm Hotel, Pamunugama recently. Three deaths were reported due to floods last year. About Rs. 128 million have been spent for the flood relief for victims, he added.

The Minister said rehabilitation work was launched to control floods. It is also vital to protect villagers in Katana, Wattala and Ja-Ela electorates. Minister Perera denied the allegations carried out through media on the rehabilitation activities of Coastal Conservation Department (CCD) in the Negombo lagoon and inter linking canals.

Legal action against the respective media institutions will be taken soon, the Minister stressed. The project was implemented with Cabinet and the Central Environmental Authority's approval the Minister said.