EnvironmentGeneralHOTMonday, May 11, 2026

Sri Lanka Reservoirs Overflowing Amidst Heavy Rainfall

TLDR

21 major, over 19 medium reservoirs overflowing due to heavy rain.
Spill gates opened; heavy rainfall expected, landslide warnings issued.
Rajanganaya, Lunugamvehera, Weheragala, Nachchaduwa among major spilling reservoirs.

Heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka has led to 12 major and 6 medium-scale reservoirs overflowing, according to the Irrigation Department. Water Management Engineer H.M.D.P.S.D. Herath confirmed that spill gates have been opened at numerous reservoirs to manage the rising water levels. Among these is the Lunugamvehera Reservoir, where gates have been opened to release over 4,000 cubic feet of water per second into the Kirindi Oya. Other major reservoirs experiencing overflow include Rajanganaya, Weheragala, Deduru Oya, and Sorabora Wewa, among others.

5 Updates

Update #6\u00b7 May 17 · 3:16 AM

The number of overflowing reservoirs remains at 21 major and over 19 medium-scale reservoirs, as reported by the Irrigation Department as of 6:00 AM on May 15th. New details identify Mediyaya, Hadapanagala, Alikotara, Iginimitiya, and Thabbowa among the reservoirs currently spilling. The information was confirmed by Irrigation Director (Water Management) Engineer H.M.D.P.S.D. Herath.

Update #5\u00b7 May 15 · 4:32 AM

The number of overflowing reservoirs remains at 21 major and over 19 medium-scale reservoirs, as reported by the Department of Irrigation as of 6:00 AM on May 15th. New details identify Rajanganaya, Nachchaduwa, Yan Oya, Ambewela, Lunugamvehera, Tissa Wewa, Weerawila Yoda Wewa, and Weheragala among the major reservoirs currently spilling. Other mentioned reservoirs include Ambakola Wewa, Usgala Siyambalangamuwa, Magalla, Deduru Oya, Nalanda, and Wamadila.

Update #4\u00b7 May 15 · 2:31 AM

The number of overflowing reservoirs has significantly increased, with 21 major reservoirs and over 19 medium-scale reservoirs now spilling, according to the Director of Irrigation (Water Management) Eng. H.M.P.S.D. Herath, as of 6:00 AM on May 15th. This is an increase from 16 major and 17 medium reservoirs reported previously. New major reservoirs identified as overflowing include Nachchaduwa, Yan Oya, and Weheragala. Additionally, a low-pressure area is expected to bring very heavy rainfall, exceeding 200mm in some districts, prompting the National Building Research Organisation to issue landslide warnings.

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