Water levels in major reservoirs hit critical capacity as spilling begins
Posted on January 8th, 2026
Courtesy Hiru News
The Irrigation Department has issued an urgent warning as water levels in major reservoirs across Sri Lanka have reached 80% to 90% capacity.
Speaking at a press briefing this morning, Irrigation Engineer L.S. Sooriyabandara confirmed that 25 out of 73 major reservoirs are already spilling over, with significant concerns for the Eastern, Central, Northern, Southern, and Uva provinces.
Specific warnings have been issued for the Senanayake Samudraya and Maduru Oya reservoirs, as well as several water bodies in the Batticaloa, Jaffna, and Padaviya regions, where sluice gates have been opened to manage the surge.
Officials have noted that twenty-four central reservoirs are currently releasing water, and residents in downstream areas are being urged to remain on high alert as the intensity of the ongoing rainfall could lead to sudden and rapid increases in water levels.