In light of the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka has issued an advance notice regarding the operation of the spill gates at the Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir in Kotmale. According to this announcement issued today (26) at 12:00 PM, the volume of water flowing into the reservoir is expected to rise rapidly due to anticipated rainfall. Consequently, residents in low-lying areas along the Kotmale Oya specifically in Nugawela, Riverside, and Mawathura are urged to remain highly vigilant.
Furthermore, residents living along the Mahaweli River in areas spanning from Ulapane through Gampola, Weligalla, Gelioya, Peradeniya, and Katugastota, up to Polgolla are advised to keep a close watch on the river’s water levels.
The announcement notes that while a further notification will be issued before the reservoir’s spill gates are opened, there remains a risk of rising water levels and the inundation of low-lying areas due to rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli River—even without any water being released from the reservoir.
Therefore, the announcement emphasizes that people living in low-lying areas near the river must exercise extreme caution.