Restoration of Kalu Ganga lagoon begins

The Coast Conservation Department started cutting a canal to redirect Kalu Ganga water back into the lagoon as an initial step to restore the ecosystem.

This intervention follows the destruction of the lagoon caused by the artificial cutting of the river mouth at a different location, which led to the formation of distorted sandbars. The Coast Conservation Department reports that these changes turned the area into a stagnant body of water, destroying endemic fish species and causing a foul odor.

Environmental organisations consistently raised concerns, leading to the appointment of an expert committee to study the situation. Based on the committee's report, a proposal to restore and develop the lagoon was approved at the Kalutara District Coordinating Committee meeting, chaired by the Minister of Health and Media.

The 2026 budget allocated 100 million rupees specifically for the development and restoration of the Kalu Ganga lagoon.