General

The Irrigation Department has issued a flood warning for the next 48 hours for many low-lying areas near the Mahaweli River Basin. This alert comes after heavy rainfall in some catchment areas since last night (17). Residents living in Kinniya, Muttur, Kantale, Seruvila, Welikanda, Lankapura, Thamankaduwa, and Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat (DS) Divisions may face potential flooding. The department also highlighted that there is a chance of flooding on the Batticaloa Polonnaruwa Road in the Gallella area, as well as on the access road to Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara and its nearby regions. Devotees planning to visit the Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara are advised to postpone their travel to the site until further notice in the coming days. Additionally, residents near the Mahaweli River in these areas should stay alert and take steps to ensure their safety from possible flood risks. Disaster management authorities are also urged to implement necessary precautions.