Identifying the Factors Leading to Mismanagement of Floodplains in Kelani River Basin; Particular Reference to Kaduwela Divisional Secretariat of Colombo District in Sri Lanka

Kanchana Rajapaksha, Weththige Varunika Nishani Fernando

Abstract: The research investigated the factors for inefficient management of flood plains in Pahala Bomiriya A and Kaduwela A Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions of Kaduwela divisional secretariat of Colombo district in Sri Lanka. It has observed the underlying factors for mismanagement of floodplains while looking at the threats that floodplains face, and the impact of inefficient floodplains management. An analysis has been provided. Human settlement in river reserves, reclamation of low-lying lands, and unplanned development activities such as constructing buildings and houses in low-lying areas have affected the impact of flooding and caused flood plains management inefficiently. Further, the research emphasises the urgent requirement of policy approach in the country to flood plains management.

Keywords: Flood plains, Kelani River Basin, Kaduwela, Pahala Bomiriya, Colombo district, Mismanagement, Flood plains management