Colombo sewage system to be upgraded

• By KrishCNL
• August 24, 2025
• News, Political
• Colombo sewage system
• 0 Comments

Colombo is preparing for a comprehensive urban transformation under a new Master Plan, which includes major upgrades to the city’s century-old sewage system.

Municipal Commissioner said the plan will be presented to the President next month and is expected to begin next year, although securing funding will take time.

The historic sewage system, originally designed to serve 50,000 people, now caters to millions. Parts of it are over 100 years old, and some sections may be even 200 years old. The system often faces blockages, leaks, and pipe collapses, while 14 areas of the city still lack piped sewers. Around Rs. 1.5 billion is spent annually on maintenance, repairs, and small upgrades.

The Master Plan aims to provide a long-term roadmap for Colombo’s urban development. It includes modernizing pumping stations, implementing a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system for centralized monitoring, and completing detailed sewage mapping. Currently, 70–80% of the city’s sewage network has been mapped, with internal inspections using cameras to detect leaks and blockages.

Beyond sewage upgrades, the plan also focuses on city beautification and heritage development. Kotuwa and Pettah are planned as heritage areas, Beira Lake will feature fountains, and D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha will be transformed into a recreational space. Viharamahadevi Park is set to get a night bazaar and a green walking path, while shuttle transport services will improve mobility in key areas.

Funding for the projects is expected from the World Bank and other agencies, with several government bodies, including the Urban Development Authority, Road Development Authority, and Central Environmental Authority, playing key roles.

The Master Plan also incorporates land management and vertical settlements to meet the demands of Colombo’s growing population of over one million residents, including the floating population.

Commissioner emphasized that while constructing an entirely new system is impractical due to space constraints and ongoing sewage flows, these upgrades are essential to maintain the city’s essential services and make Colombo a top destination for tourism and urban living.