The centuries-old wastewater and sewerage system in Galle Fort is undergoing a comprehensive cleaning effort to clear longstanding blockages caused by accumulated mud and sand. Officials from the Galle Municipal Council confirmed that the system, which has remained unattended for years, is being cleared to restore its functionality and to identify any unauthorized connections to the sewer network.

Built initially by the Portuguese in 1588 and subsequently reinforced during Dutch rule, the drainage infrastructure in Galle Fort is considered a unique engineering feat. One notable characteristic of the system is its ability to self-clean when sea levels rise, a natural mechanism that historically helped maintain the network’s efficiency without modern intervention.

The clean-up project aims to preserve the operational integrity of this historic sewerage system, which continues to serve the fort area despite its age and the urban pressures it faces. Municipal authorities emphasize that addressing the blockages will not only improve sanitation but also aid in maintaining the fort's structural and environmental health.

This initiative reflects a broader effort to safeguard Galle Fort’s heritage sites while ensuring that essential infrastructure meets contemporary standards. The fort, recognized for its historical significance and colonial-era architecture, relies on this ancient drainage system as part of its urban fabric since the late 16th century.