The government alone cannot restore Beira lake, says Deputy Minister

A special development project is currently active to clean Colombo’s Beira Lake and mitigate its foul odour following years of severe environmental degradation.

Announcing the initiative, Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara pointed out that rapid urban expansion has led to dumping waste, wastewater, and urban garbage into the Beira lake.

He stressed that the entire responsibility of restoring the water source cannot be assigned solely to the government or a single official institution.

Gunasekara added that direct support from the general public, urban residents, and businesses remains essential to ensure proper waste disposal and achieve a green Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority retains ownership and maintenance of the lake, while the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation holds responsibility for water management.

Recent tests conducted by the corporation across 35 locations revealed dangerously high levels of harmful substances, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia, which severely depleted oxygen levels.

The Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation initiated interventions including the removal of floating garbage, aquatic weeds, and bank cleanups.

Workers are currently removing silt accumulated in the southwestern region near the Gangaramaya temple to improve water circulation and facilitate boat transport.

The spread of algae and cyanobacteria previously damaged the appearance of the lake, causing significant inconvenience to local residents and commuters.