Authorities have activated spillgates at Laxapana and Canyon reservoirs following persistent heavy rainfall in catchment areas, with downstream water levels rising significantly.
Water management authorities opened spillgates at two major reservoirs on Tuesday as continuous rainfall pushed water levels to critical points across Sri Lanka's hydroelectric infrastructure. Three gates were activated at Laxapana Reservoir while two gates opened at Canyon Reservoir, according to engineers overseeing the facilities.
Reservoir engineers attributed the spillgate operations to substantial increases in water levels driven by relentless rainfall in the catchment areas serving the hydroelectric power stations. The Wimalasurendra Reservoir has been continuously overflowing due to the prevailing weather conditions, adding to the combined water discharge affecting downstream areas.
The coordinated water release from these reservoirs has resulted in rising water levels in the Kelani River, according to officials managing the systems. The situation underscores the operational challenges faced by water authorities during periods of sustained heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka's central highlands, where multiple hydroelectric facilities operate in close proximity to populated areas downstream.
