Ambatale Flood Control Barrier

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Ambatale Flood Control Barrier
Interactive map of Ambatale Flood Control Barrier
Country	Sri Lanka
Location	Ambatale, Western Province
Coordinates	06°56′07.8″N 79°56′52.6″E / 6.935500°N 79.947944°E / 6.935500; 79.947944
Purpose	Flood control
Construction began	2018
Opening date	2021 (approx.)
Construction cost	US$5,850,000 + රු.1,180,000,000
Owner	SLLDC

The Ambatale Flood Control Barrier (also called Ambatale Pumping Station) is a major flood control facility located in Ambatale, Sri Lanka. Operated by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC), the station is a critical component of the flood protection infrastructure for the Colombo Metropolitan Area. It is designed to pump excess storm water from the Madiwela East Diversion Canal into the Kelani River when the river's water level is too high to allow for natural gravity discharge.

The station is distinct from the nearby Ambatale Water Treatment Plant, which processes drinking water for the Greater Colombo area, though both are strategically located along the banks of the Kelani River.

History

The Colombo metropolitan region has historically been vulnerable to flooding due to its flat terrain and the overflow of the Kelani River during heavy monsoonal rains. Significant floods in 1989, 2010, and 2016 highlighted the inadequacy of the existing drainage infrastructure.

To address these issues, the Government of Sri Lanka initiated the Metro Colombo Urban Development Project (MCUDP), largely funded by the World Bank. The Ambatale Storm Water Pumping Station was identified as a priority sub-project under the "Flood and Drainage Management" component of this scheme.

The contract for the "Design and Build" of the station was awarded to Salcon Engineering Berhad. Construction commenced around September 2018 with an initial anticipated completion date of March 2021. The total contract value was approximately US$5,850,000 plus රු.1,181,530,000. By the end of 2020, the project had reported approximately 89% physical progress.

Specifications

The pumping station is situated at the Ambatale Flood Bund, spanning the Madiwela East Diversion Canal. Its primary technical specifications include:

• Pumping Capacity: 20 cubic metres per second (710 cu ft/s).
• Configuration: Five pumps, each with a capacity of 4 cubic metres per second (140 cu ft/s).
• Power Source: Grid electricity with backup generator capabilities to ensure operation during storm-related power outages.

The facility also includes automated trash screens to prevent debris from clogging the intake, a common issue in Colombo's canal network.

Operation

Under normal weather conditions, the Madiwela East Diversion Canal drains storm water by gravity. However, during heavy rainfall events in the Kelani River catchment area, the river level rises above the level of the canal. To prevent the river from backflowing into the city and causing urban flooding, floodgates are closed, and the Ambatale station is activated. It pumps the accumulated canal water over the flood bund and into the river, maintaining safe water levels within the Madiwela catchment.

Incidents

See also

• 2025 Sri Lanka floods
• Kelani River
• Ambatale Water Treatment Plant

References