The Department of Irrigation has confirmed that there is no immediate danger of flooding, even though spill and sluice gates at a number of reservoirs remain open due to elevated water levels.Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) L. S. Sooriyabandara said the water level of the Manampitiya River, which flows into the Mahaweli River, is currently high but not expected to reach flood conditions. He added that several reservoirs within the Mahaweli basin have their sluice gates open as part of controlled water management operations.
Addressing concerns in the Anuradhapura District, Sooriyabandara noted that while the Thanthirimale Reservoir is experiencing relatively high water levels, there has been no significant increase in flooding in surrounding areas.
Rainfall data collected over the past 24 hours show that the highest precipitation was recorded in the Ampara District, with 25 millimetres of rain, according to the Irrigation Department.
The Director further explained that spill gates at 36 reservoirs under the Department’s purview are currently open. However, he stressed that water is being released at safe levels and does not pose a threat to nearby communities.
In addition, 52 medium-scale reservoirs are also discharging water as a precautionary measure, but authorities have assured that these releases do not endanger residents living along riverbanks or in low-lying areas.
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