October 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s recent spell of rain has caused water levels in several rivers and reservoirs to climb, prompting authorities to monitor conditions closely. However, the Irrigation Department says the situation has not yet escalated into widespread flooding.
L. S. Sooriyabandara, Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division at the department, explained that the increases recorded in most water bodies remained within normal ranges for the current wet conditions. Nevertheless, the rise in the Kalu Ganga has been particularly noticeable, while the Kelani Ganga has also experienced a steady increase in its water level.
Heavy showers have affected several districts, including Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Puttalam and Kurunegala. In response to the rainfall and rising inflows, spill gates at the Deduru Oya and Rajanganaya reservoirs have been opened to release excess water and manage storage levels.
Rainfall measurements from parts of the Kalu Ganga basin have ranged between 50 and 75 millimetres. Although some locations in other river basins have received less than 50 millimetres, water levels have risen across several areas without reaching flood thresholds, according to the official.
Similar increases have been reported in the Nilwala Ganga, Gin Ganga, Attanagalu Oya and Maha Oya basins, highlighting the widespread impact of the prevailing rainy weather.
The Deduru Oya Reservoir is currently discharging approximately 5,300 cubic feet of water per second, while the Rajanganaya Reservoir is releasing around 2,300 cubic feet per second. These controlled releases are part of efforts to manage water levels amid continued rainfall.
Looking ahead, the department has cautioned that moderately heavy showers could affect parts of the south-western region in the coming days, in line with forecasts from the Department of Meteorology. Sudden downpours could also cause localised flooding in low-lying areas, with Jaffna and Mannar among the districts highlighted as requiring particular attention.
Residents living close to rivers, reservoirs and flood-prone areas have been urged to remain alert, follow official weather and water-level updates, and take appropriate precautions. Although major flooding has not been reported at this stage, officials warn that changing rainfall patterns could quickly alter conditions in vulnerable locations.
