Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha announced today (11 December) that unauthorized constructions in Akurana have significantly contributed to the frequent flooding in the area, and such structures will be removed as part of flood mitigation efforts.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with ministry officials and relevant institutions, Lal Kantha highlighted the long-standing issue of flooding in Akurana, which worsens with every rainfall.

“Akurana experiences flooding almost every time it rains. This has been a persistent issue for a long time. During the discussion, we addressed the impact of illegally constructed buildings in Akurana town, which significantly exacerbate the problem. We decided to remove these unauthorized constructions,” he said.

The minister also stated that measures to remove sludge from Pinga Oya were discussed as a key solution to mitigate flooding.

It was revealed during the meeting that, despite the long-standing nature of the problem, no coordinated plan had been developed to address the issue. As a result, the Kandy District Secretary has been instructed to prepare a comprehensive plan involving all stakeholders to tackle the recurring floods, Lal Kantha added.