Engineers monitoring the reservoirs have reported a rapid decline in water levels at the Castlereagh and Maussakelle reservoirs, attributed to the ongoing extreme dry weather conditions in the catchment areas on the western slopes of the Central Hills.

As of 6:00 a.m. today (24), the water level of the Maussakelle Reservoir had fallen to 50 feet 11 inches below spill level. 

Despite receiving 12 mm of rainfall on the previous day, the reservoir’s water level continues to drop. Similarly, the Castlereagh Reservoir’s water level has decreased to 40 feet 10 inches below spill level, even though it received 14 mm of rainfall yesterday (23).

The ongoing decline in water levels has led to the re-emergence of several islands and archaeological ruins that were previously submerged during the reservoirs’ construction.  

These reservoirs are crucial for supplying water to power generation at the Wimalasurendra, Laxapana, New Laxapana, Canyon, and Polpitiya hydroelectric power stations, raising concerns over potential impacts on electricity production amid the drought conditions.