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Heavy Rains Trigger Opening of Spill Gates at Numerous Sri Lankan Reservoirs
The Pulse
EnvironmentGeneralMonday, May 11, 2026

Heavy Rains Trigger Opening of Spill Gates at Numerous Sri Lankan Reservoirs

TLDR

  • 33 reservoirs (16 major, 17 medium) spilling due to heavy rains.

  • Deduru Oya (4 gates), Rajanganaya (12 gates) discharge high water volumes.

  • Downstream residents urged to stay vigilant amid rising water levels.

The Department of Irrigation has opened spill gates at 12 major and 6 medium-scale reservoirs nationwide due to prevailing heavy rainfall and adverse weather. Key reservoirs affected include Lunugamvehera, Rajanganaya, Deduru Oya, and Weheragala, among others. Director of Water Management Engineer H.M.P.S.D. Herath advised residents in downstream areas to remain vigilant as water levels rise. The department noted that these conditions are expected to persist due to a low-level atmospheric disturbance near the island.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 May 13 · 5:16 AM

The total number of reservoirs spilling has increased to 33, comprising 16 major and 17 medium-scale reservoirs, according to the Department of Irrigation. This situation was reported as of 6:00 a.m. today (13). New reservoirs identified as spilling include Ambewela, Mau Ara, Thissa Wewa, Yoda Wewa, Ambakola Wewa, and Usgala Siyambalangamuwa, in addition to those previously reported.

Update #2\u00b7 May 12 · 6:16 AM

Sixteen major and ten medium-scale reservoirs are currently releasing water due to heavy rainfall, according to the Department of Irrigation. Specific reservoirs mentioned include Rajanganaya, Deduru Oya, Sorabora Wewa, Weerawila, Lunugamvehera, Weheragala, Magalla, Wemedilla, Nalanda, and Alikota Ara. At Deduru Oya Reservoir, four spill gates have been opened to two feet each, leading to a discharge of 5,500 cubic feet of water per second. Meanwhile, twelve spill gates at Rajanganaya Reservoir have been opened to varying heights (four to six feet, four to five feet, and four to two feet), discharging 14,565 cubic feet per second.

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