May 12, Colombo (LNW): Persistent downpours affecting several parts of the island have caused a large number of reservoirs under the Department of Irrigation to exceed capacity, prompting authorities to issue warnings to communities living downstream and in low-lying regions.
According to Director of Irrigation (Water Management) Engineer H.M.P.S.D. Herath, 16 major reservoirs and 10 medium-scale tanks are currently spilling as water levels continue to rise following days of intense rainfall.
Among the major reservoirs affected are Rajanganaya in Anuradhapura, Sorabora Wewa in Badulla, and several key reservoirs in Hambantota District including Lunugamwehera, Weerawila and Weheragala. Additional spillovers have also been reported at Deduru Oya and Magalla reservoirs in Kurunegala, as well as Nalanda and Wemadilla reservoirs in the Central Province.
Officials stated that the Kala Wewa catchment area has received exceptionally heavy rainfall in recent days, leading to significant inflows into Rajanganaya, Dewahuwa and Wemadilla reservoirs. As a precautionary measure, 12 spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir have been opened, discharging nearly 18,500 cubic feet of water per second.
In the southern region, continuous rain within the Kirindi Oya Basin has caused several reservoirs to overflow simultaneously, including Lunugamwehera, Tissa Wewa, Yodha Wewa and Alikota Ara. Authorities confirmed that six spill gates at Lunugamwehera have been opened to release approximately 7,100 cubic feet of water per second, while Weheragala Reservoir is currently releasing more than 2,400 cubic feet per second into the Menik Ganga.
Several medium-sized reservoirs, including Angamuwa, Bomburuella, Saddhatissa and Marathamadu, have also reached spill level as inflows continue to increase.