• Temporary repairs underway on damaged irrigation structures
• Water releases continue across several districts as a precaution

The Irrigation Department’s 30 main reservoirs and more than 39 medium-sized reservoirs are currently spilling, Director of Irrigation (Water Management) H.M.P.S.D. Herath said.

Among them are Senanayake Samudra in Ampara, Mahawilachchiya, Mahakanadarawa, and Rajanganaya in Anuradhapura, Deduru Oya in Kurunegala, Lunugamvehera in Hambantota, and the Sorabora reservoir in Badulla.

He said 6,476 cubic feet of water per second is being released into the Kala Oya from the Rajanganaya Reservoir’s spill gates, while 1,164 cubic feet per second is being released from the Angamuwa Reservoir.

He noted that although spill gates have been opened, the volume released remains low, and no flood risk has been observed in downstream areas.

Significant damage has been reported to several irrigation structures after the recent heavy rainfall. Temporary reconstruction work is already in progress, he said.

Reconstruction of the South Canal of the Rajanganaya Reservoir has begun and is expected to finish today (07), allowing water distribution to the irrigated lands served by the reservoir.

Renovation work on the Elahera Yodha Canal is also underway by the Irrigation Department with support from the security forces and farmers’ groups.

He said the completion timeline will depend on future rainfall and water releases from the Moragahakanda Reservoir.

Temporary repairs on other damaged irrigation structures are being carried out under departmental supervision.

Sooriyabandara said water levels in Malwathu Oya near Thanthirimale were higher than usual but are now receding. He said the situation does not amount to flooding, explaining that water is being released to lower reservoir levels as a precaution.