The Government has announced plans to use the canal network in Colombo for transportation as a measure to ease the traffic congestion in the capital city and also to promote tourism.

Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Patali Champika Ranawaka has proposed to implement a project for introduction of transportation scheme over canals in Colombo.

The 43-km long Colombo Canal Network is maintained by the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation.

It has been identified that utilising this canal network which has not been used for many years for transportation of passengers and goods would result in minimising traffic congestion and promotion of tourism industry.

Minister Ranawaka’s proposal, which has received Cabinet approval, plans to introduce water-based recreational activities using boats, and introduction of commercial activities such as floating markets along canals by the Land Reclamation and Development Corporation.

– See more at: http://www.ft.lk/article/525136/Govt–to-use-transportation-along-Colombo-Canal-Network-to-ease-traffic-congestion–promote-tourism#sthash.Yw5da8os.dpuf