Water levels in major reservoirs fall to 35.9 per cent: Irrigation Department

24-Aug-2026

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The Irrigation Department has stated that water levels in major reservoirs under its control have fallen to 35.9 per cent due to the severe dry weather prevailing in most parts of the country.

With high temperatures and windy conditions, the amount of water evaporating from these reservoirs has also increased.

Therefore, it is essential to use water sparingly for agricultural activities and other day-to-day requirements.

Water levels in reservoirs in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Monaragala districts have reached critically low levels, said H.M.P.S.D. Herath, Director of Water Management at the Irrigation Department.

He further stated:

As cultivation activities during the Yala season have now reached their final stage, the available water is expected to be sufficient for agricultural activities.

However, due to the high temperatures and windy weather, water evaporation from the reservoirs has increased beyond expectations. Therefore, water must be used very sparingly for both daily and agricultural activities.

The current storage capacity of the major reservoirs managed by the Department stands at 35.9 per cent.

Water levels in reservoirs, particularly in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Monaragala districts, are very low.

However, as cultivation activities during the Yala season have now reached their final stage, the available water is expected to be sufficient for agricultural purposes.

It is also expected that the water currently in reserve will be sufficient during the coming months for areas that depend on these reservoirs for drinking water.

Nevertheless, due to the high temperatures and windy conditions, the amount of water evaporating from these reservoirs is also high.

Therefore, it is essential to use water very sparingly for agricultural activities and other day-to-day requirements, he said.