The Irrigation Department has reported that the total water capacity stored in reservoirs across the country has dropped to around 47.3 percent due to prevailing dry weather conditions.
Irrigation Director (Water Management) H. M. P. S. D. Herath said that the major reservoirs under the department’s control currently hold 34.4 percent of capacity.
He noted that reservoirs in the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee are at particularly low levels, averaging around 20 percent.
Despite this, Herath assured that the available water is sufficient to complete the ongoing Yala cultivation season and to meet drinking water needs in reservoir‑dependent areas until the next rainfall.
With hot weather intensifying evaporation losses, the department has urged farmers and communities to use water sparingly for both cultivation and drinking purposes.
Herath further stated that plans for the upcoming Maha cultivation season are being prepared.
He explained that decisions on starting the season will be taken at cultivation meetings, based on the water levels available at the time, with the aim of commencing Maha cultivation as early as possible. (Newswire)