January 05, Colombo (LNW): The Mahaweli Authority has initiated an extensive programme of safety and quality checks across reservoirs under its control in the wake of landslides and flooding brought on by Cyclone Ditwah.
Chief Engineer D.M. Dharmadasa said the move is a precautionary response aimed at assessing whether recent extreme weather has compromised the structural integrity or operational safety of both major and minor reservoirs, including those linked to hydroelectric power production.
He noted that inspections are currently being carried out at 20 reservoirs managed by the Authority, among them 10 facilities that play a key role in supplying electricity to the national grid. These include prominent reservoirs such as Victoria, Kotmale, Rantambe, Randenigala, Dambulu Oya, Moragahakanda, Polgolla, Udawalawa, Bowatenna and Maduru Oya.
The assessment process is being conducted jointly with the National Building Research Organisation, while any potential safety concerns identified during inspections will be promptly communicated to the Disaster Management Centre for further action.
Mr Dharmadasa added that particular focus will be placed on the Kotmale and Uma Oya reservoir schemes, with inspection priorities guided by findings from earlier technical evaluations and risk assessments. He emphasised that the Authority’s objective is to ensure public safety while maintaining uninterrupted water management and power generation operations.
