• Kataragama-Menik Ganga pilgrims cautioned  

Heavy rainfall caused by the prevailing weather conditions may lead to rising water levels in reservoirs across the country, according to the Irrigation Department. 

Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management), Lasantha Sooriyabandara said that the authorities have already begun releasing water from reservoirs identified as being at risk. Sooriyabandara stated that approximately 65 per cent of the country’s total reservoir capacity is currently filled. Of the 73 major reservoirs, 12 are already spilling, along with six medium-sized reservoirs. 

He warned that the spilling of the Weheragala Reservoir has created a potentially dangerous situation in Kataragama. Sooriyabandara noted that large numbers of pilgrims and visitors travelling from outside the area to the Kataragama site may not be familiar with the behaviour of the Menik Ganga. He urged the public to remain cautious when using the River and surrounding areas.

He further stated that additional rainfall in the coming days could result in increased water releases from reservoirs, raising the risk level further.

However, he emphasised that no flood conditions have been reported so far as a result of the controlled water releases.

The Department also warned that the current rainfall pattern is capable of producing intense showers within a short period of time, increasing the possibility of sudden inundation in low-lying areas even where there are no nearby rivers.

Meanwhile, the atmospheric disturbance that prevailed over the Bay of Bengal has developed into a low-pressure area, the Meteorology Department has stated. Issuing an amber advisory, the Met. Department said that the low-pressure area is currently located near 10.1 North and 82.5 East. Therefore, the prevailing showery conditions over the island are expected to continue. Strong winds and rough seas can be expected over the deep and shallow sea areas around the island, as well as over the deep sea areas of the Bay. The general public, as well as the Naval and fishing communities have been requested to be attentive to future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department.