The Department of Irrigation has issued a notice regarding the opening of sluice gates at the Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya and Thabbowa reservoirs due to the prevailing heavy rainfall.
Accordingly, 08 sluice gates at the Deduru Oya Reservoir have been opened by 02 feet each, releasing 10,400 cubic feet of water per second into the Deduru Oya.
The Irrigation Department warned that the extent of the sluice gates’ openings and the volume of water released could change depending on rainfall in the catchment areas and the volume of water flowing into the reservoir.
Meanwhile, 06 sluice gates at the Rajanganaya Reservoir have been opened.
Two sluice gates have been opened by four feet each, another two by three feet each, and the remaining two by two feet each.
The reservoir was initially releasing more than 3,800 cubic feet of water per second into the Kala Oya.
Two sluice gates at the Thabbowa Reservoir, located in the Mee Oya basin, have also been opened by half a foot each to control rising water levels.
Residents living along the Deduru Oya, Kala Oya and other downstream areas have been advised to remain vigilant regarding possible changes in water levels.
The public has also been urged to follow official announcements and safety instructions issued by the Irrigation Department and disaster management authorities.