The responsibility of cleaning up Beira Lake, addressing the issue of bad odor, and maintaining water quality standards will be handed over to a private company, as per government sources.
Groepo Pte Ltd., a foreign company, has appointed its local subsidiary, Groepo Lanka Bioscience (Pvt) Ltd., to undertake the project, according to government sources.
The proposed plan involves the cleanup of Beira Lake to eliminate the foul odor and utilize it for development purposes. A spokesperson from the Prime Minister's Office stated that the company in charge of the project will employ advanced technology and scientific methods to clean the lake.
The Cabinet of Ministers has instructed relevant state institutions to concurrently identify alternative methods for sewage and waste disposal into Beira Lake.
Based on the success of this pilot project, the state institutions have the option to continue the project for a period of 20 years. Groepo Lanka Bioscience (Pvt) Ltd. will be responsible for the monitoring and management activities during this period.
Led by the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Dinesh Gunawardena, the project has been submitted for cabinet approval by Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, and Environment Minister Naseer Ahamed.
A steering committee has been established to oversee the project, comprising members from various institutions including the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Urban Development Authority, Central Environment Authority, Sri Lanka Climate Fund (Private) Company, and Colombo Municipal Council.
Representatives nominated by these institutions will be responsible for providing necessary instructions and facilities to the relevant company for project implementation. Additionally, the company plans to establish a specialized laboratory in Sri Lanka in the future.
