Rains up water levels in reservoirs

The water level of Mahaweli Reservoirs and other major irrigation tanks has risen over 85 per cent capacity following torrential rains experienced during the last few days, the Irrigation and Water Management Ministry said yesterday. The Ministry in a press release said Ulhitiya,

Rathkinda, Kandalama and Uda Walawa reservoirs are already spilling and those recording rising water levels are Kotmale, Victoria, Rantembe, Castlereagh, Maussakelle, Dambulu Oya, Kala Wewa, Rajangana Nachchaduwa, Nuwara Wewa, Tissa Wewa, Minneriya and Parakrama Samudra. In most of them the water level has risen over 85 per cent capacity.

Irrigation engineers had warned that if the rains continued unabated they will be compelled to open spill gates of these reservoirs and people living in areas surrounding these reservoirs and rivers down stream should remain constantly vigilant about these developments.