The Irrigation Department reports that significant rainfall has been recorded across much of the wet zone, including the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale districts and the Western, North Western, and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. 

Director of Irrigation, L. S. Sooriyabandara said that although rainfall has slightly reduced compared to previous days, showers continue. 

He further said that as of this morning, the upper areas of the Kelani River received between 100 mm and 125 mm of rain, while many other river basins recorded 50 mm to 80 mm during the past 24 hours.

Heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm the previous day caused water levels in the upper reaches of the Gin River and Nilwala River to rise, creating a risk of minor flooding in Baddegama, Udugama, Akuressa, and Thalgahagoda. 

The Kuda River, a tributary of the Kalu River, has also risen at Millakanda, nearing minor flood levels. Meanwhile, water levels of the Kelani River at Hanwella, Lenkos, and Avissawella remain high.

Water levels of the Mahaweli River at Nawalapitiya and Peradeniya, as well as the Attanagalu Oya, have decreased, but all rivers remain close to risk thresholds. 

Sooriyabandara further noted that the total capacity of reservoirs under its management currently stands between 34% and 35%, with most reservoirs located in the dry zone where rainfall has been limited.

However, rainfall in the upper basin of the Mahaweli River has significantly raised water levels in reservoirs such as Kotmale and Polgolla.

The Director of Irrigation strongly cautioned the public against entering flooded areas for water sports or other activities, stressing that such actions are extremely dangerous. (Newswire)

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The Irrigation Department has warned of a possible minor flood situation in low‑lying areas of the Kuda Ganga and Maguru Ganga, following considerable rainfall in upstream catchment areas of the Kuda Ganga sub‑basin of the Kalu River as of 8.00 a.m. today.

Hydrological station data from the Kalu Ganga indicate rising water levels, prompting concerns that roads running through floodplains in the Bulathsinhala, Madurawala, and Palinda Nuwara Divisional Secretariat divisions could be inundated.

Residents in these vulnerable areas, along with motorists using flood‑prone routes, have been urged to remain highly vigilant. 

Disaster Management Authorities have also been requested to take adequate precautionary measures to mitigate potential impacts. (Newswire)

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A District Coordinating Committee meeting to review the damage to irrigation channels in the Nuwara Eliya District and the urgent measures required was held this morning (08) at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

During the meeting with the relevant officials, the President questioned them about various opinions circulating in the country regarding the Kotmale Reservoir due to adverse weather conditions. 

Officials explained that the highest volume of water in history entered the Kotmale Reservoir on November 27 and that the spill gates were opened scientifically according to the standard procedure in order to protect the Kotmale Dam. 

Officials further stated that 4,700 acres of paddy fields in the Nuwara Eliya District had been damaged and that, apart from 500 acres, the remaining paddy fields could be cultivated during the Maha Season. 

Having examined the causes of flooding in the Nuwara Eliya District, officials noted that unauthorised constructions, the blockage of canals and the insufficient expansion of the reservoir’s spillway were contributory factors. 

The President instructed officials to assign supervision and technical services related to Gregory Lake to the Irrigation Department and to enter into an agreement with the Municipal Council regarding economic activities. (Newswire)

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The Irrigation Department has announced that four sluice gates of the Kala Wewa reservoir have been opened, releasing approximately 3,800 cubic feet of water.

According to the Director of Irrigation (Water Management), in addition, around 1,000 cubic feet of water was released from the Rajanganaya reservoir at about 1.45 p.m. today. 

This will bring the total volume of water released into the Kala Oya to nearly 4,800 cubic feet, the Director of Irrigation (Water Management) said. 

Officials emphasized that this release does not pose a flood risk. However, residents and those engaged in activities along the Kala Oya are requested to remain cautious and vigilant. (Newswire)

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All major flood alerts that were in effect across Sri Lanka have now been removed, according to the latest update issued by the Irrigation Department on Wednesday morning.

The department’s 9:30 am report showed that water levels in major rivers have continued to recede, with no river currently at major flood level. Only the Kelani River at Nagalagam Street remains on alert level, though the water level is falling.

Hydrology officials said rainfall in the past 24 hours has dropped to minimal levels across all monitored stations, helping river conditions stabilize after days of flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The department added that water levels at several key locations, including Hanwella, Glencourse, and Ratnapura, have returned to normal ranges.

Authorities continue to monitor rivers closely as restoration and relief work progress in the affected districts. (Newswire)

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The Department of Irrigation has issued flood warnings for areas in the vicinity of the Heda Oya Basin, Kumbukkan Oya Basin, and the Mahaweli Basin.

The flood warning for the Heda Oya Basin, valid until 3.30 pm on November 28, is as follows;

Due to heavy rainfall received last night in parts of Ampara and Monaragala districts, there is a possibility of flooding in low‑lying areas around Heda Oya, particularly in Siyambalanduwa and Lahugala Divisional Secretariat divisions. 

Residents and travellers are advised to take adequate precautions, while disaster management authorities are requested to act accordingly.  

The flood warning issued for the Kumbukkan Oya Basin, valid until 4.00 pm tomorrow (27), is as follows;

Rainfall in the catchment areas of the Kumbukkan Oya Basin since last night may cause flooding within the next 24 hours in low‑lying areas along the river in Monaragala DS Division (including Nakkala, Kumbukkana, and Maduruketiyia GN divisions) and in Buttala DS Division (including Okkampitiya and Gaminipura GN divisions). 

Residents near the river, motorists, and passengers are requested to remain vigilant and take necessary measures. Disaster management authorities are urged to take appropriate action. 

The flood warning for the Mahaweli Basin, valid until 2.00 pm on November 28, is as follows;

Rainfall in catchment areas of the Mahaweli River since last night may lead to flooding within the next 48 hours in low‑lying areas along the river in the DS divisions of Kinniya, Muttur, Kantale, Seruvila, Welikanda, Medirigiriya, Lankapura, Thamankaduwa, and Dimbulagala. 

There is also a risk of inundation along the Batticaloa–Polonnaruwa Road (Gallelle area), the access road to Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara, and the surrounding areas. Devotees are requested to avoid travel to Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara until further notice. 

Residents near the Mahaweli River are advised to remain highly vigilant and take protective measures. Disaster management authorities are requested to act accordingly. (Newswire)

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The flood warnings issued due to the rising water levels of Mundeni Aru, Mahawelia River, Heda Oya, and Deduru Oya have been extended for the next 48 hours.

As of this evening, minor floods have been reported in Horowpathana due to a rise in the water levels of Yan Oya, in Thanthirimale due to Malwathu Oya, and Moragaswewa due to Deduru-Oya.

Flood alerts have been issued to Nagalagam Street (Kelani River), Thalgahagoda (Nilwala River), Peradeniya (Mahaweli River), and Dunamale (Attanagallu Oya). 

The Irrigation Department requested area residents and motorists to remain vigilant of floods in the vicinity of the rivers. (Newswire)

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