Govt to clean canals, environs

Authorities are to remove all unauthorized structures near canals and drains to properly reconstruct and maintain them to prevent the Colombo city and suburbs from flooding during heavy rains. Disaster Management Minister A H M Fowzie said that officials have been instructed to remove all the minor unauthorized structures with immediate effect. Legal advice would be sought if there are any large-scale unauthorized structures including houses. All measures would be taken to strictly prevent encroachment in such areas, he added. Authorities during the weekend cleared several unauthorized structures in the Panadura area. They also conducted a special ’Shramadana’ in the Colombo area to clean canals and drains. Minister Fowzie said yesterday that both campaigns would continue on a regular basis.   Read more:www.dailynews.lk/2010/11/15/news01.asp