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Key Hydropower Reservoir Levels Plunge Amid Dry Weather, Revealing Submerged Sites
The Pulse
EconomyEnvironmentHOTWednesday, April 8, 2026

Key Hydropower Reservoir Levels Plunge Amid Dry Weather, Revealing Submerged Sites

TLDR

  • Castlereagh, Maussakelle reservoir levels critically low as of April 16, 2026.

  • Maussakelle 49.10 ft down, Castlereagh 43.7 ft down; dry weather persists.

  • Exposed reservoir beds reveal ruins; people playing cricket on them.

  • Vital for Wimalasurendra, Laxapana hydropower plants, facing generation issues.

Water levels in Sri Lanka's Castlereigh and Maussakelle reservoirs have experienced a significant decline due to persistent dry weather conditions affecting the catchment areas on the central hills' western slopes. As of 6:00 AM on the 8th, reservoir engineers reported the Maussakelle reservoir's level had fallen 47 feet below its spill level, while the Castlereigh reservoir dropped to 43.8 feet. This rapid decrease has led to the reappearance of numerous previously submerged ruins, structures, and islands. Both reservoirs are vital for hydropower generation, supplying several key power plants including Wimalasurendra, Laxapana, New Laxapana, Canyon, and Polpitiya.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 Apr 17 · 2:32 AM

Amid persistent dry weather in the central hills' western slopes, water levels in the Castlereagh and Maussakelle hydropower reservoirs continue to decline. As of April 16, the Maussakelle reservoir remains 49.10 feet below its spill level, and the Castlereagh reservoir is 43.7 feet below its spill level. The significant drop has now led to people playing cricket on the exposed reservoir beds, further illustrating the extent of the water depletion.

Update #2\u00b7 Apr 16 · 9:49 AM

As of April 16, 2026, water levels in the Castlereagh and Maussakelle hydropower reservoirs have continued to decline significantly. The Maussakelle reservoir has dropped by 49.10 feet from its spill level, while the Castlereagh reservoir is 43.7 feet below its spill level. Despite 48mm of rainfall in the Castlereagh catchment and 9mm in the Maussakelle catchment on April 15, the overall dry weather in the central hills' western slopes persists. The rapid decline continues to reveal numerous submerged ruins and islands. These reservoirs are crucial for powering the Wimalasurendra, Laxapana, New Laxapana, and Canyon hydroelectric plants.

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