The Department of Irrigation has issued flood warnings to the Kelani, Malwathu Oya, and Deduru Oya River Basins, effective until November 29, due to high rainfall experienced in the areas.
According to the department, a minor flood situation is expected in low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley near the Ruwanwella D/S Division within the next 24 hours.
Flood warnings – Kelani River Basin
A considerable rainfall has occurred in most of the upper catchment areas of the Kelani River Basin as of 3.00 am today. By analyzing the current rainfall situation and river water levels of Hydrological Stations in the Kelani River, there is a possibility of a minor flood situation in low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley situated in Ruwanwella D/S Division within the next 24 hours. Residents in those areas and motorists running through those areas have been requested to pay close attention to the warnings. Disaster Management Authorities are requested to take adequate precautions in this regard.
Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department warned that the water level of the Malwathu Oya is currently approaching the minor flood level.
Flood warnings – Malwathu Oya Basin
Significant rainfall has been received over the Malwathu Oya Basin. Based on the recorded rainfall and the readings of the hydrological gauges maintained within the basin by the Department of Irrigation, the water level of the Malwathu Oya is currently approaching the minor flood level. Accordingly, it is hereby warned that a minor flood situation may occur in the low-lying areas of the floodplain belonging to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Vengalacheddikulam, Madhu, Musalai and Nanaddan located in the lower reaches of the basin, and that the water level may further rise in the coming hours. The general public residing in these areas, as well as drivers and passengers travelling through these regions, are kindly requested to exercise extreme caution and remain highly vigilant regarding this situation. Relevant disaster management authorities are requested to take necessary and appropriate actions in this regard.
The Irrigation Department further warned that the prevailing flood situation in the lower valley areas of the Deduru Oya Basin is likely to intensify up to a major flood level.
Flood warnings – Deduru Oya Basin
Due to the significant rainfall continuously received over the upper and middle catchment areas of the Deduru Oya Basin during the past 24 hours, and the ongoing release of water through the spill gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir at a discharge rate of approximately 33,000 cubic feet per second into the Deduru Oya, it is hereby warned that the prevailing flood situation in the lower valley areas of the Deduru Oya Basin is likely to intensify up to a major flood level. According to the observations of the Irrigation Department’s gauging stations, this critical flood risk applies to the areas belonging to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Wariyapola, Nikaweratiya, Mahawa, Kobeigane, Bingiriya, Pallama, Chilaw, Arachchikattuwa and Rasnayakapura. Furthermore, the flood warning previously issued under my reference number DI/Hydro/103(V) through Flood Warning Bulletin No. 03 for the Deduru Oya Basin at 9.00 p.m. on 26 November 2025 is hereby extended for a further period of 48 hours. The general public residing in these areas, as well as vehicle drivers travelling through the affected routes, are kindly requested to act with extreme caution and to remain highly vigilant in view of this situation. Relevant disaster management authorities are also requested to take all necessary measures in this regard. (Newswire)