The total water storage capacity of Sri Lanka’s 73 major reservoirs has fallen to around 37 percent, according to the Irrigation Department.
The situation is particularly concerning in the Eastern Province, where the combined water capacity of 18 major reservoirs across the Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts has dropped below 30 percent.
In Ampara District, the combined water level of nine major reservoirs stands at just 22.9 percent. Water levels in the Rottikulam, Ambalan Oya, Namal Oya, Pallan Oya, Rambakan Oya, Senanayake Samudraya and Kalugal Oya reservoirs have fallen below 50 percent of their capacity.
In Batticaloa District, the three major reservoirs have a combined water capacity of 25.7 percent. The Navakiri Reservoir is at 24 percent, while Rugam Reservoir stands at 23.1 percent and Unnichchiya Reservoir at just 12.9 percent.
Meanwhile, the five major reservoirs in Trincomalee District have a combined water capacity of 28.1 percent.
Water levels in the Kantale, Mahavilachchiya Wewa, Morana Wewa and Wendarasan reservoirs have also declined rapidly.
The declining water levels could place additional pressure on water supplies and irrigation activities if dry conditions continue, particularly in the affected districts.
