Director of Irrigation (Water Management) Engineer H.M.P.S.D. Herath has called on the public to use water sparingly, noting that the 80 reservoirs under the Irrigation Department currently hold 48 percent of total capacity.

Speaking to the media, Herath assured that existing resources are sufficient, with cultivation for the Yala season already completed. 

He emphasized that water supplies for communities dependent on reservoirs for drinking water remain secure.

The Director added that rainfall expected in October and November would further replenish reserves, reducing the risk of shortages.

Even in the event of low rainfall, he said, reservoirs contain adequate volumes to meet daily needs. (Newswire)

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21 major reservoirs and more than 19 medium-scale reservoirs across the country are currently spilling, the Irrigation Department said.

According to Irrigation Director (Water Management) Engineer H.M.D.P.S.D. Herath, the situation was reported as of 6.00 a.m. today (15).

Among the major reservoirs releasing water are Rajanganaya, Nachchaduwa and Yan Oya in Anuradhapura; Ambewela in Badulla; Lunugamvehera, Tissa Wewa, Weerawila Yoda Wewa, and Weheragala in Hambantota; Ambakola Wewa, Usgala Siyambalangamuwa, Mediyaya, Magalla, and Deduru Oya in Kurunegala; Nalanda and Wemedilla in Kandy; Hadapanagala and Alikota Ara in Monaragala;  Inginimitiya and Thabbowa in Puttalam; and Yoda Wewa in Mannar.

By this morning, sluice gates at several reservoirs had been opened to release large volumes of water. Rajanganaya reservoir opened two gates three feet each, discharging over 1,600 cubic feet per second into the Kala Oya. 

Lunugamvehera released more than 1,740 cubic feet per second into the Kirindi Oya, while Weheragala discharged over 700 cubic feet per second into the Manik Ganga. Alikota Ara released over 680 cubic feet per second into the Kirindi Oya, and Deduru Oya released 1,400 cubic feet per second.

At Thabbowa, twelve sluice gates were opened by 6.15 a.m., while Yan Oya reservoir had three gates opened at varying levels.

The Irrigation Department has cautioned residents in low‑lying areas and those living near rivers to remain alert and act with care, as rising water levels could pose risks to communities downstream. (Newswire)

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The Irrigation Department has announced that water levels in several river basins, which had risen in recent days, are now showing a decline following reduced rainfall over the past 24 hours.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division, L.S. Sooriyabandara, said water levels in the Nilwala, Gin, Kalu, and Attanagalu Oya basins have dropped. 

He noted that, except at Millakanda, water levels in the Kalu River are also receding. 

While the decrease is linked to reduced rainfall, forecasts from the Meteorology Department indicate further showers in the coming days, suggesting the decline may be temporary.

At present, 18 of the country’s 73 major reservoirs and 18 medium‑scale reservoirs are releasing water.

The Irrigation Department says that this release does not signal a rise to major flood levels. 

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Engineer of the Warakapola Regional Office confirmed that all sluice gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir, which had been opened, were closed at 7.00 am today (14). (Newswire)

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The Irrigation Department announced this morning that 16 major reservoirs and 17 medium‑scale reservoirs under its management are currently spilling, prompting cautionary advice to residents in low‑lying areas.

Director of Water Management Engineering H.M.P.S.D. Herath confirmed that the situation was reported at 6.00 am today. 

Among the major reservoirs spilling are Rajanganaya in Anuradhapura, Ambewela in Badulla, Mau Ara, Lunugamvehera, Tissa Wewa, Weerawila Yoda Wewa, and Weheragala in Hambantota.

Other reservoirs include Ambakola Wewa, Usgala Siyambalangamuwa, Magalla, and Deduru Oya in Kurunegala; Nalanda and Wemedilla in Kandy; Alikota Ara in Monaragala; and Yoda Wewa in Mannar.

Officials noted that 12 spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir have been opened, releasing over 14,000 cubic feet of water per second into Kala Oya. 

Six gates of Lunugamvehera are discharging more than 4,100 cubic feet per second into Kirindi Oya, while six gates of Weheragala are releasing over 2,400 cubic feet per second into the Menik Ganga.

Four gates of Deduru Oya have also been opened, releasing 2,800 cubic feet per second.

The Department has urged communities in downstream and riverbank areas to remain vigilant as water levels continue to rise. (Newswire)

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Sixteen major reservoirs and ten medium‑scale reservoirs under the control of the Irrigation Department are currently releasing water following heavy rainfall, according to H.M.P.S.D. Herath, Director (Water Management Engineer) of the department.

Among the major reservoirs releasing water are Rajanganaya in Anuradhapura, Sorabora Wewa in Badulla, Weerawila, Lunugamvehera, and Weheragala in Hambantota, Magalla and Deduru Oya in Kurunegala, Wemedilla and Nalanda in Kandy, and Alikota Ara in Monaragala.

Herath noted that due to intense rainfall in the Kalawewa river basin in recent days, the Rajanganaya, Devahuwa, and Wemedilla reservoirs are discharging water. Twelve sluice gates of the Rajanganaya reservoir have been opened, releasing about 18,500 cubic feet of water per second.

Similarly, heavy rainfall in the Kirindi Oya river basin has led to the release of water from Lunugamvehera, Tissa Wewa, Weerawila, Yoda Wewa, and Alikota Ara reservoirs. Six sluice gates of Lunugamvehera have been opened, discharging around 7,100 cubic feet of water per second. At Weheragala, six sluice gates are open, releasing more than 2,400 cubic feet of water per second into the Menik Ganga.

Medium‑scale reservoirs currently releasing water include Angamuwa, Boburuella, Mahasiyambalangamuwa, Saddhatissa, Malimpotha, and Marathamadu.

Herath cautioned that water release volumes may change depending on rainfall, and urged residents living near reservoirs and in low‑lying areas to remain vigilant. (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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Video footage of a herd of Sri Lankan elephants swimming across a reservoir has been featured on BBC World Service.

According to the video, the elephants were found swimming across a reservoir in the Northern part of Sri Lanka. 

Video : https://shorturl.at/BH024 (NewsWire)

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