On October 28, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Grant Agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka in Colombo for the Project for the Improvement of the Pump Station in Kelani River Basin. The agreement was signed by the Secretary to the Treasury of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Chief Representative of the JICA Sri Lanka Office.
Areas around the Kelani River near Colombo have suffered frequent flooding in recent years due to climate change and other factors, including major flooding during Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025. The project aims to reduce flood damage by building a pump station that improves rainwater drainage capacity.
The works include a pump station, revetments, drainage pump equipment, and a monitoring, control and data-collection system. Technical guidance on detailed design, construction supervision, and operation and maintenance will also be provided.
Key points
- Grant limit of 2.179 billion yen; planned implementation period of 44 months in total
- Includes technical guidance on operation and maintenance, not only facilities
- Positioned as advance disaster-prevention investment in line with the Sendai Framework 2015-2030
Why this news deserves attention
Climate change is making floods and other natural disasters more serious around the world. Investing in prevention before disasters strike is an important way to protect lives and livelihoods.
The project does not stop at building facilities; it includes guidance on operation and maintenance. That focus on long-term use makes it a useful example.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“Floods keep recurring near Colombo, and Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025 caused major damage. I found it striking that a familiar facility like a pump station can serve as climate preparedness.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I was drawn to the pump station too, Aoba. It also includes guidance on operation and maintenance, not just equipment, which suggests cooperation meant to last.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Listening to you both, I was reminded how much it matters to invest in preparation before disasters strike. It is reassuring that Japan's disaster-prevention experience can reach a faraway country this way.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“Floods can take away homes, work and schooling all at once. It is encouraging to see Japan's disaster-prevention experience helping communities in distant Sri Lanka feel safer.
Please use international cooperation news like this as a chance to think about disaster preparedness close to home.”