The sluice gates and mud sluice of the Kotmale Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir were opened this morning, releasing excess water into the Kotmale Oya at a rate of about 130 cubic meters per second, according to the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority.

Officials warned that the release poses a risk of flooding in low‑lying areas downstream of the Kotmale reservoir, including Nugawela, Riverside, and Mawathura, as well as along the Mahaweli River from Ulapane through Gampola, Waligalla, Gelioya, Peradeniya, Katugastota, and Polgolla.

The Authority has urged residents in these regions to remain highly vigilant and take necessary steps to safeguard lives and property.

It further noted that the rate of water release may vary depending on inflows into the reservoir, underscoring the need for continued caution. (Newswire)

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The Mahaweli Authority announced that sluice gates at three major reservoirs were opened this morning (18) at 10:20 a.m. as part of regulated water release operations.

According to the Mahaweli Authority, six sluice gates at the Victoria Reservoir were opened by 70 cm each. 

At the Randenigala Reservoir, two gates were opened, one by 2.5 meters and the other by 1 meter. 

Meanwhile, at the Rantembe Reservoir, two gates were opened by 2 meters and 2.5 meters, respectively.

The Mahaweli Authority said the openings were carried out to manage water levels due to heavy rains experienced in the areas. 

Residents in low‑lying areas have been advised to remain alert. (Newswire)

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The government has launched an investigation into the alleged misuse of land distributed under the Mahaweli Authority, following claims in Parliament that large plots were handed out to high-profile individuals without being cultivated.

Raising the issue in Parliament, NPP Polonnaruwa District MP Padmasiri Bandara said plots ranging from 100 to 500 acres in Mahaweli zones—particularly B and D—were allocated to actors, cricketers, and ministers through private arrangements.

According to Bandara, many of these lands remain uncultivated or have been transferred to others for financial gain.

“These lands were intended for agricultural development but are being left idle,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation Susil Ranasinghe responded stating that an investigation is underway to examine how the lands were allocated, the intended purpose, and their current use. (Newswire)

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A Chinese national who was accused of giving a bribe of Rs. 20,000 to a divisional manager of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka to obtain the recommendation required for an explosive material licence/ permit has been acquitted.

According to Lankadeepa newspaper, the Colombo High Court acquitted the Chinese national, who was released without being issued a summons.

The accused was acquitted as the court was unable to decide whether the prosecution presented strong and convincing evidence against the accused or not.

For the court to determine whether or not to issue a summons to the accused, the prosecution must present strong and convincing, but the court was reportedly unable to determine whether strong and convincing has been produced. 

Thereby, due to this reason, the accused was acquitted of the case and released without being summoned. 

The Bribery Commission had filed a case against the Chinese national after receiving a complaint that he had attempted to give a bribe of Rs. 20,000 to a divisional manager of the Mahaweli Authority in July 2018. (NewsWire)

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The Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka has informed it does not have sufficient water in reservoirs to be released for hydropower generation. 

The Mahaweli Authority has informed the Ministry of Power and Energy in this regard via a letter today (03).

The Authority revealed that it does not have sufficient water due to not receiving rainfall as expected.

The Mahaweli Authority says required volumes of water required for hydropower generation on January 30 and 31 were released from reservoirs as the Meteorology Department had forecast a substantial amount of rainfall from January 31 to February 02.

However, adequate rainfall was not received during this period as per the forecast by the Meteorology Department, the Mahaweli Authority says it was decided to release water required for irrigation in Maha and Yala seasons, drinking, livestock farms and hydropower generation as per usual. (NewsWire)

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