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Rivers
Rivers
Sri Lanka’s rivers, which provide critical habitats and essential ecosystem services, are challenged by pollution and climate change
Map of key rivers and lakes in Sri Lanka
Ecological and ecosystem services provided
Critical habitats: Provides freshwater ecosystems for 20%+ species
Significant source of drinking water, irrigation and distributes water reduce flood and drought risks: Kelani provides water to ~20% of Sri Lanka’s population
Significant source of energy: Hydropower accounts for 25-35% of total electricity generation
Sustains local economies and livelihoods: Kelani river sustains ~10,000 industries
Sustainability transports nutrients: Essential for balancing coastal and marine diversity
Challenges to be addressed and drivers
Sewage
Solid waste
Sediment
Agricultural
(nutrient) run-off
Industrial discharge
The proposed interventions, estimated to cost USD 905-925 Mn, address key drivers of river pollution and climate change...
General river health
- Implement Lower Kelani Flood Risk Mitigation Project
- Construct reservoir to improve dry-season water quality
- Monitor river profile changes over time
- Integrate river conservation topics into school syllabus
USD 805-810 Mn
Sewage run-off
- Strengthen decentralized sewage systems
- Strengthen Fecal Sludge Treatment plant network
- Improve sewage management infrastructure in select townships
USD 55-60 Mn
Industrial pollution
- Enhance technology in central treatment plants
- Financing schemes for SMEs to invest in pollution control technology
USD 45-50 Mn
Sediment run-off
- Promote sustainable home gardening in areas with high run-off
- Promote alternative employment to reduce reliance on illegal sand and gem mining
USD 2-2.5 Mn
Nutrient run-off
- Educate farmers on appropriate fertilizer and pesticide usage
USD 1-2 Mn
Solid waste dumping
- Scale the floating waste barrier project by MAS Foundation
USD 0.5-1 Mn
Sri Lanka’s wet zone holds ecological, social and cultural significance…
~175
freshwater fish species, including 36 endemics, gain safe ecosystems
20%
of population to benefit from Kelani River’s improved water quality and lower treatment costs
~25%
of Sri Lanka’s hydropower efficiency can be sustained with reduced sediment run-off
~10,000
industries continue to be sustained by Kelani River
Up to USD 500 Mn
in losses per flood can be significantly reduced
~350
annual deaths in the Kelani river basin due to poor water quality can be significantly reduced
Export benefits
secured: GSP+ program requires water pollution control, with stricter enforcement expected under the EU Green Deal
Roadmap
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