The spill gates of the Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir in Kotmale were opened at 11.30 a.m. today (11).
Accordingly, a water flow of 150 cubic metres per second is scheduled to be released into the Kotmale Oya.
According to the reservoir's resident engineer, the water level stood at 701.3 metres above mean sea level at 10.15 a.m. today, which was 1.7 metres below the spill level.
The decision to open the spill gates was taken in view of the prevailing rainy weather conditions and future weather forecasts, with the aim of slightly lowering the reservoir's water level and minimising potential risks to downstream low-lying areas.
The resident engineer has urged people living in areas downstream of the Kotmale Dam, particularly along the Kotmale Oya and Mahaweli River, to remain vigilant.
