Government to acquire eight houses blocking drain linked to Colombo hospital flooding
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Flooding at the National Hospital in Colombo during heavy rains on 6 November was linked to an unfinished drainage project blocked by eight houses, officials said on Tuesday (10).
The new drainage route along Arnold Ratnayake Mawatha toward Beira Lake stalled 100 to 150 metres from completion. Officials told a district committee that residents rejected alternative housing offers worth Rs 5 million and Rs 11 million.
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya instructed officials to proceed under the Land Acquisition Act to clear the obstruction.
Cabinet Spokesperson and Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said cleaning along Norris Canal at the hospital continued, though relocation remained unresolved.
Officials added that the downpour dumped up to 150 millimetres of rain, exposing 60 major drainage blockages caused by plastic waste, illegal structures, and utility lines trapping debris.
