Business
SL’s debt restructuring issues disrupt Kandy city’s JICA-funded sanitation project
By Ifham Nizam
Despite almost three years passing, a billion rupee sanitation project intended to be implemented within Kandy city limits is yet to reach completion as the Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA)—the executing bilateral aid agency—is yet to release the final Rs. 1 billion required to complete the project’s final stage due to matters connected to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process.
“The reason JICA has given for not releasing the final Rs. 1 billion to complete the last leg of the project is Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring. With the Rs. 21 billion we received in three packages to complete the three stages of surveying, planning and building infrastructure to establish the wastewater management system, at least 4,000 households, commercial properties (state and private) and institutions (state and private) are utilizing the facilities. The balance monies, upon receipt, will enable the connecting of the remaining 6,000 wastewater connections, a senior engineer said.
Kandy Municipal Engineer D. M. D. S. Seneviratne told The Island Financial Review that although Rs. 22 billion has been spent on the project, the work has stopped midway. ‘While Rs. 21 billion has been utilized for the sanitation project, it has not been implemented at the final level, he said.
When contacted JICA representative Takashi Kondo told The Island Financial Review that all JICA-funded projects, and not only the Kandy project, were stopped following Sri Lanka’s defaulting on its public debt and the negative image consequently created.
However, Kondo expressed confidence that they are ready to undertake all the technical responsibilities.
The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Executive Director Dilena Pathragoda told The Island Financial Review that as a civic-minded organization, they would do their best for the betterment of the people of Kandy. ‘We would request officials of the Japanese embassy and JICA to consider providing Rs. 1 billion, he added.
‘Building the necessary infrastructure facilities to collect wastewater generated from kitchens, bathrooms and toilets across 733 hectares and providing connections to 12,200 private residences, state institutions, and commercial property units in a densely congested city with complex topography is no easy task, he explained.
Speaking to journalists about the challenges faced by the Municipal Council, Kandy MMC’s Chief Health and Medical Officer Dr. Pasan Jayasinghe said, “Kandy city municipal limits cater to the water and sanitation needs of tax-paying residents and business owners, who number approximately 125,000. In addition, we have 375, 000 daily visitors who access the city for tourism, administrative needs, schooling, work and medical requirements, to name a few.
‘The facility built with international agency funds provides us with the capacity to accommodate the sanitation needs of up to 300,000 people. We currently exceed capacity, especially during torrential rains or when there is overcrowding in the city; for instance, during holidays, he said.
Jayasinghe reiterated that even if communities or businesses complained about pollution caused by improper wastewater disposal, given the limited staff, which included five Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and himself, there were mounting challenges in attending to all complaints.
‘Ideally, one PHI should provide their services to 10,000 persons in the field. However, although I am the Chief Health and Medical Officer, I have to take over some of the field visits. Each of us has to oversee double the capacity of people. We then have to ensure that visitors to the city are provided with hygienic sanitation facilities and that eateries are selling hygienically prepared food. We have serious capacity issues when executing field duties in a city that serves the sanitation needs of 500,000 people, Jayasinghe added.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
Fast Attack Craft P 4447 recovered in successful salvage operation
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-central and North-western provinces
Shafali, Mandhana power India to eighth Asia Cup title
Tharanga wins Ultimate Javelin title
CIABOC member’s appointment: Controversy over Speaker under probe heading selection process
GMOA: Countrywide cadre revision not done since 2015
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Sports3 days agoDDS set to lose Test captaincy
-
News6 days agoThailand shuts door on undesirables from Sri Lanka
-
News3 days agoSri Lanka faces new grid challenge as rooftop solar surges: former CEB GM
-
Business6 days agoCEB successor company breaks into top three in competitive BESS tender
-
Latest News3 days agoShafali, Deepti power India into sixth T20 Asia Cup final
-
Opinion5 days agoNavigating Sri Lanka’s Israeli Dilemma
-
Latest News2 days agoSri Lanka thwart Fatima Sana challenge to secure Asia Cup final spot
-
Features4 days agoLost for 90 years: Rare Goby resurfaces in Jaffna