May 11, Colombo (LNW): Continuous rainfall across several parts of Sri Lanka has led to controlled water releases from a number of reservoirs, with irrigation officials warning that levels could fluctuate further depending on incoming weather conditions.
The Department of Irrigation confirmed that 12 major reservoirs and six medium-scale tanks under its supervision are currently spilling or releasing water as a precautionary measure to manage rising inflows caused by persistent downpours.
Among the larger reservoirs currently discharging excess water are facilities located in Rajanganaya in the Anuradhapura District, Sorabora Wewa in the Badulla District, and several systems in the Matale region including Wemedilla, Devahuwa and Nalanda. Additional spill activity has been reported from Lunugamvehera, Thissamaharama’s Thissa Wewa, Weerawila, Yoda Wewa and Weheragala in the Hambantota District. Other affected reservoirs include Deduru Oya in the Kurunegala District and Alikota Ara in the Monaragala area.
At medium scale, controlled releases are also taking place at Thuruwila in Anuradhapura, Bomburuella in Badulla, Debara Wewa in Hambantota, Saddhatissa and Malinpotta in Monaragala, as well as Mailankulam in the Vavuniya District.
Irrigation engineers explained that the decision to release water is part of standard flood mitigation procedures designed to prevent overtopping and structural stress on reservoir systems during periods of intense rainfall. However, they cautioned that discharge levels may be adjusted frequently in response to changing weather patterns and inflow rates.
Director of Water Management, Engineer H.M.D.P.S.D. Herath, stated that ongoing monitoring is being carried out around the clock, with coordination between field officers and central control units to ensure safe reservoir operations.
Authorities have also urged residents living downstream of reservoirs, as well as those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to remain alert to sudden changes in water levels. The public has been advised to closely follow updates issued by the Irrigation Department, the Department of Meteorology and the Disaster Management Centre, particularly as adverse weather conditions are expected to persist in the coming days.