The Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena expressed the opinion that the Colombo Municipal Council must use its powerful legal powers to prevent pollution of the environment in order to keep the water and lakes clean in Colombo. He said this at the inauguration of the new project of cleaning Beira Lake using modern technology of Japan, which was started on 09.07.2023 under the leadership of Prime Minister.
Speaking on this occasion the Prime Minister stated that –
Based on the mutual friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan, it is important to get together in contributing the development knowledge that Japan has acquired over the years for the development of our country. The support provided by Japanese institutions to transform the Beira Lake into a beautiful lake, to restore this unique ecosystem to Colombo, and to open the doors to a take our water industry to a very advanced level is unique.
Beira Lake possesses a long history. The story of Beira Lake adds a precious experience to the consumption, management and utilization of water in history. “Seema Malakaya” is a unique place in Beira Lake. Once a year, thousands of people join the Perahara of Gangarama at “Sema Malakaya”. Beira Lake is unique as a centre of attraction and a tourist hub as well. The city of Colombo became famous in the world as a green city. It is the responsibility of the people to protect it’s greenery. This project, which is used to purify water by adding new technological knowledge, is important not only for Beira Lake but also for our water research in the future.
The Colombo Municipal Council should understand this very deeply and take action in this regard. The Colombo Municipal Council is entrusted with a great legal power to prevent pollution of the environment. If we implement this authoritative power, we can keep our water and lakes clean while maintaining a good cooperation with the people. We will work hand in hand to transform the benefit of this investment into a clean environment of our city and our water industry. Let’s support it.
The Mahasangha, including prelate of Gangarama temple Ven Kirinde Assaji Thera, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. Members of Parliament Sarath Weerasekera, Premanath Dolawatta, Yadamini Gunawardena, Japanese representatives and Dr. Ashu Marasinghe joined this event.
Prime Minister’s Media