The government has launched an infrastructure improvement programme targeting the Western Province's water distribution network, which currently serves over five million people but faces supply challenges in several areas.

Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe has announced the commencement of a comprehensive modernization initiative for water supply services across the Western Province. The region's existing network comprises approximately 1.3 million connections that provide water to a population exceeding five million residents.

According to the Minister, the current system struggles to maintain consistent supply in certain areas due to escalating demand and inadequacies within the distribution infrastructure. To address these deficiencies, authorities have prioritized expanding capacity at the Horana-Kadana Water Treatment Plant, which will include the construction of a new treatment facility capable of processing 3,500 cubic metres of water daily.

The modernization programme also encompasses the replacement of outdated pumping equipment and the rehabilitation of aging pipeline infrastructure that connects Labugama to Colombo. Once completed, these upgrades are expected to extend reliable water services to more than 40,000 additional residents in areas such as Bulathsinhala and Millaniya within Kalutara District.

The initiative reflects efforts by the government to upgrade Sri Lanka's water infrastructure, which has faced mounting pressure from population growth and urbanization in the densely populated Western Province.