The Department of Irrigation has reported heavy rainfall across several parts of the country, with the Maha Oya area in Kurunegala district recording the highest levels in the past 24 hours. Engineer L. S. Suriyabandara, Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division, said towns such as Giriulla, Polgahawela, and Badalgama received nearly 100 mm of rain.
Other river basins and districts also experienced significant rainfall. The lower Nilwala River basin received 50 mm, while reservoirs in the Gin Ganga, Kalu Ganga, Kelani, Attanagalu Oya, Yang Oya, Deduru Oya, and Malwathu Oya areas recorded between 50 and 75 mm.
High water levels have prompted the Department to issue flood warnings for residents in low-lying areas along the Nilwala, Gin, and Kalu Ganga rivers, as well as Kuda Ganga, Attanagalu Oya, Maha Oya, and Deduru Oya. Officials warn that continued rainfall could worsen the situation.
Currently, nine of the 73 main reservoirs managed by the Department are being discharged, including Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya, and Thabbowa, releasing significant water volumes. In addition, many smaller reservoirs are also being discharged.
Even reservoirs releasing water at normal rates, such as Bandagiriya, Yodha Wewa, and Tissa Wewa in Hambantota, are contributing to elevated water levels downstream. Engineer Suriyabandara noted that overall, the country’s reservoirs are about 55% full, and further rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying areas.
