The National Water Supply and Drainage Board announced that water supply has been restored to normal after an emergency suspension caused by concerns over water quality at the Kelani River intake point.

The suspension, which affected several areas in Colombo and Gampaha districts, was triggered by a chemical substance released into the environment by a private factory. 

Speaking to the media, Water Board Chairman Chandana Bandara said the supply was halted as a precaution until tests confirmed whether pollutants had entered the water.

The incident occurred at 11.30 pm yesterday (24), prompting the temporary shutdown of the Ambatale and Biyagama water treatment plants to safeguard public health. 

Chemists from the Board immediately began investigations, while water samples from multiple points along the Kelani River were tested throughout the night.

By 4.30 am today, after confirming the river’s water quality was safe, production and distribution resumed at both treatment plants.

The Disaster Management Center and security forces are conducting a wider investigation, while the Board has lodged a complaint with police, he said.

Relevant institutions have been notified to pursue legal action against those responsible.

Bandara stressed that all conditions have now returned to normal, assuring residents that water supply is safe. (Newswire)

The post Kelani River water supply restored after emergency suspension appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Irrigation has issued a Red‑level flood warning for the Kelani River Basin, valid until 1:30 pm tomorrow (04), cautioning of a possible major flood situation within the next 24 hours.

According to the Irrigation Department, significant, high‑intensity rainfall has been recorded in the upper and middle catchment areas of the basin, with forecasts predicting further heavy showers. 

Analysis of river gauge data indicates that water levels could rise rapidly, creating a high risk of flooding. The warning applies to low‑lying areas in the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, and Yatiyanthota.

Residents in these regions, individuals using the river, and motorists traveling through the affected areas have been strongly advised to remain extremely cautious and highly vigilant. Disaster management authorities have been requested to take proactive measures to minimize risks. (Newswire)

The post Adverse weather : Red- level flood warning issued for Kelani River Basin appeared first on Newswire.

The Irrigation Department has extended the flood warning for the Kelani River Basin for another 48 hours, cautioning residents and motorists to remain on high alert.

The Amber‑level warning, issued this morning, will remain in effect until 11:30 am on Wednesday, August 5. 

The Irrigation Department states that continuous rainfall and rising water levels have heightened the risk of flooding in low‑lying areas.

The department urged residents and motorists in affected regions to exercise extreme caution and requested Disaster Management Authorities to take necessary measures to minimize risks. (Newswire)

The post Kelani River flood warning extended for 48 hours appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Irrigation has warned of possible minor flood conditions in low‑lying areas of the Kelani River Valley over the next 48 hours, following significant rainfall of nearly 300 mm recorded in the river’s catchment areas.

According to gauging station data, rising water levels in the Kelani River Basin could affect downstream regions, including the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Hanwella, Seethawaka, Dompe, Padukka, Homagama, Biyagama, Kaduwela, Kolonnawa, Kelaniya, Wattala, and Colombo.

Residents in these areas, as well as motorists travelling through flood‑prone routes, have been urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution. 

The flood warning issued at 10.00 am today (22) is effective for a period of 48 hours, ending at 10.00 am on Sunday (24). (Newswire)

The post Inclement Weather : 48‑hour flood warning as Kelani River levels rise appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Irrigation has reported a decrease in the water level of the Kelani River, with flood warnings being downgraded from major to minor. 

According to the department, a minor flood warning remains in Nagalagam Street, while a flood alert with falling water levels remains for Hanwella. 

Despite a major flood warning issued to the Thanthirmale area due to the water level of the Malwathu Oya, the department reports a decrease in water levels. 

Flood alerts have also been issued to the Patupaula and Millakanda areas, but the water levels of the Kalu Ganga are reportedly receding. (Newswire)

The post Water Level : Kelani River falls from major to minor flood level appeared first on Newswire.

The Irrigation Department says the Kelani River water level at Nagalagam Street has shown no increase over the past three hours, remaining at 8.45 feet as of 9.30 a.m. today.

According to the department’s latest report, the water level continues to stay within the Major Flood category, but officials confirmed that the level has not risen since early morning, indicating a temporary stabilisation.

The Department noted that other key monitoring points along the Kelani River, including Hanwella and Glencourse, are reporting falling or stable trends, suggesting a potential easing of flood pressure downstream.

Despite the lack of further increase, authorities urge the public in low-lying areas of Colombo to remain cautious, as water levels are still critically high and floodwaters may take time to recede.

The Irrigation Department said that continuous monitoring is underway and further updates will be issued as the situation develops. (Newswire)

The post Kelani River : Water level at Nagalagam Street steady with no rise in last 03 hrs appeared first on Newswire.

Plans are being formulated to establish a new city for residents along Kelani river bank, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka said.

This new city is envisioned to offer comprehensive facilities, including hospitals, schools and residential complexes, Ratnayaka said following an observation tour to assess the welfare of the residents in the Kolonnawa area impacted by adverse weather conditions.

Given the presence of government institutions such as the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) and Sri Lanka transport Board Depot in the area, discussions will be initiated with local residents to garner input and facilitate the implementation of future initiatives.

According to Ratnayake, the aim is to develop a comprehensive plan that receives consensus from all stakeholders and to realize the success of the program within the next decade.

The tour was attended by Member of Parliament Premanath C. Dolawatta, Director General of the Trade Union Saman Ratnapriya, along with former members of the Kolonnawa Pradeshiya sabha , political representatives and government officials. (Newswire)

The post A new city for residents residing along Kelani river bank appeared first on Newswire.