Resident Technical Officer Deeptha Chandana Jayasekara stated that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure following the significant increase in water levels.
The reservoir, the largest in the Mahaweli “C” Zone and one of Sri Lanka’s twin reservoirs, has been releasing water since the 20th through seven spill gates, each opened by one foot. Water is currently being discharged at a rate of 77 cubic meters per second.
Authorities have urged residents living along the banks of the Ulhiṭiya Oya and motorists traveling along the Rathkinda–Hobariya road to exercise caution due to the increased water flow.
