No Impact on Reservoirs from the Adverse Weather Conditions
Director General of the Irrigation Department, Eng. A. Gunasekara, stated that the adverse weather conditions have not caused any impact on any reservoir or river under the purview of the Irrigation Department.
He noted that, with the heavy rainfall, spill gates of all reservoirs had been opened, resulting in flood situations in areas surrounding the reservoirs.
Eng. Gunasekara made these remarks while participating in a media briefing held yesterday (30) at the Defence Headquarters.
He added that, due to the ongoing adverse weather, the Minneriya, Kaudulla and Deduru Oya reservoirs belonging to the Irrigation Department continue to spill and that the resulting flood conditions in those areas are expected to gradually subside from tomorrow afternoon.
He further stated that the severe flood risk posed to Colombo due to the overflowing Kelani River has now somewhat reduced, although the current flood levels may persist for the next 24 hours.
The Director General explained that the Attanagalu Oya and Malwathu Oya continue to spill, while the water levels in the Mahaweli River, Maha Oya and Kalu Ganga are expected to begin receding from tomorrow.
He also confirmed that action is already being taken to promptly repair the damage caused near the main Elahera anicut, which falls under the Irrigation Department.
The Director General emphasised that, despite the heavy rainfall experienced across the country, no reservoir has suffered any structural damage and all necessary measures have been taken to safeguard the reservoirs by fully opening the spill gates where required.
