Sri Lanka taps AI and big data to safeguard Kelani river in landmark Japan-backed project

The five-year project, valued at Rs. 646 million, is officially titled “Big Data System for Aquatic Environmental Monitoring and Implementation of Data-Driven Policies.” It is a collaborative effort between the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), the University of Moratuwa (UOM), and Tohoku University, Japan, with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the SATREPS program.

Traditionally, the CEA monitored water quality at 17 fixed locations along the river. The new system, however, will enable real-time, high-resolution monitoring, using AI, machine learning, and numerical modeling to accurately identify sources of pollution. Experts say this technology-driven approach could set a precedent for environmental monitoring across Sri Lanka.

A Water Environmental Data Organizing Center will be established at the University of Moratuwa to act as the technical hub. By linking the data to the Environmental Protection License (EPL) process, authorities will be able to enforce regulations more effectively, taking legal action based on scientific evidence rather than delayed reports.

Japanese specialists will provide training to CEA officials, the Water Resources Board, and university staff to ensure the system’s long-term sustainability. The initiative is designed to help authorities respond more swiftly to threats from pollution, urban expansion, and climate change, making the Kelani River not only cleaner but also better managed.

“The project represents a significant leap forward in combining environmental science with advanced technology,” the Ministry of Environment said. “It also creates a blueprint that can be applied to other rivers across the island.”

The CEA will establish a dedicated unit within its Environment Protection Division to oversee implementation, supported by a Joint Coordinating Committee and international experts. By turning real-time data into actionable policy, the government aims to strengthen environmental governance while safeguarding a vital water source for millions of Sri Lankans.