Colombo flooding sparks criticism of Sri Lankan government

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticized the National People's Power government, alleging that it has failed to maintain Colombo's drainage systems despite promises of urban renewal. Premadasa noted that recent heavy rains caused significant flooding, pointing out that the city's current drainage capacity is only designed to handle 30mm of rainfall, whereas recent levels reached approximately 120mm.

The opposition leader argued that the lack of proper maintenance and waste removal is the primary cause of the emergency. He suggested that if the United People's Force had been in power, they would have implemented modern drainage systems similar to those in Singapore and the Netherlands, including advanced pumping, rainwater harvesting, and expanded canals.

Separately, heavy rainfall in the Nuwara Eliya district has caused water levels in several reservoirs, including Kasela and Upper Kotmale, to reach full capacity. Authorities have issued warnings to drivers in areas such as Hatton and Nuwara Eliya due to heavy fog and slippery roads caused by the continuous downpours.