Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) Lasantha Sooriyabandara said 12 major reservoirs and six medium-sized reservoirs are already spilling, while further rainfall in the coming days could force additional water releases.
Speaking during the Ada Derana ‘Big Focus’ programme, he said around 65 percent of Sri Lanka’s total reservoir capacity has already been filled under the current weather conditions.
He said irrigation officials are closely monitoring reservoirs identified as vulnerable and have begun controlled releases to prevent dangerous pressure build-up.
Authorities have also issued a warning over the situation around the Weheragala Reservoir, where spill operations have increased water flow into the Menik Ganga near Kataragama.
Sooriyabandara warned that pilgrims and visitors travelling to Kataragama from other parts of the country may be unfamiliar with the river’s sudden changes in water levels and currents.
He urged the public to avoid risky activities near rivers and reservoir spill areas during periods of heavy rainfall.
The Irrigation Department further cautioned that the prevailing weather pattern is capable of generating intense rainfall within short durations, raising the possibility of flash inundation in low-lying areas even in the absence of nearby rivers.
However, officials stressed that no major flooding has been reported so far due to the controlled management of reservoir water releases.
