Bandula Kendaragama, Independent Dam Safety Consultant

Dear Sir / Madam,

As I understand, several mobile networks which were working in a satisfactory condition in the potential inundation area of the Kotmale Dam, were not functional or failed on 27 to 30 November 2025.

In my view, if the mobile network had been operating satisfactorily, the contents of the dam emergency letter dated 26 November 2025—issued by the Engineer-in-Charge of the Kotmale Dam—and the decision to open the spillway gates should have reached Gampola town, located only 18 km downstream of the dam, as well as its suburbs within the potential inundation area, well in advance. This would have provided residents with sufficient time to evacuate from the threatened areas. Under such circumstances, it is likely that the number of fatalities could have been reduced.

Having drawn your attention to the above facts, I now kindly request you to provide the non-confidential information specified in the table below.

No	Provider of the Mobile Provider / Identification No. of the Telecommunication Tower	Location	Back-up system of power	Status of the performance [ii]

Also, could you provide answers to following questions.

1)      Does the TRCSL periodically verify the existence, operation, and functionality of backup power system(s) installed for mobile network operations?

2)      If any deficiencies or issues were identified with the existence, operation, or functionality of such backup system(s), did the TRCSL formally notify the relevant mobile network operators and subsequently verify that corrective actions were taken and that proper operation was restored?

3)      If your response to Question (2) above is No, please state the reasons or provide an explanation for not informing the mobile network operators and not verifying the proper operation of the mobile network.

I urge you to conduct an internal inquiry into the matters raised in Questions (1) and (2) above. I would appreciate it if a copy of the findings could be released to the mainstream media and to the organizations involved in the decision to open the Kotmale Dam gates, as referred to in this letter.

If you have any questions or clarifications regarding the contents of this letter, could you please contact me by Email Bandula.Kendaragama@gmail.com

Thanking You,

Yours faithfully,

Bandula Kendaragama

Independent Dam Safety Consultant

WhatsApp +61403204066