The Mahaweli Authority has begun releasing water from Kotmale Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir following intense rainfall in upstream areas, with warnings issued for multiple communities downstream.
The Mahaweli Authority initiated the sequential opening of spillway and sluice gates at Kotmale Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir beginning at 3:00 pm today in response to heavy rainfall accumulating in the upper catchment regions. The controlled release is designed to manage water levels and prevent potentially dangerous flood conditions in downstream areas.
Approximately 250 cubic feet of water per second is expected to flow into the Kotmale Oya as a result of the gate openings. This volume of water poses significant flood risks to vulnerable communities in the vicinity of the river system.
The Authority has identified multiple areas at risk along the affected waterways, including low-lying settlements such as Nugawela, Riverside, and Mawathura near the Kotmale Oya. Additional communities along the Mahaweli River corridor—stretching from Ulapane through Gampola, Waligalla, Gelioya, Peradeniya, Katugastota, and Polgolla—have also been flagged as potentially affected zones.
Residents across these regions have been advised to exercise heightened caution and implement necessary safety measures as water levels are expected to rise. The Authority's proactive approach to gate management is intended to mitigate risks, though the increased water flow remains a concern for downstream populations.
