Colombo – December 19, 2025
The Department of Irrigation has extended the flood warning issued for several low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River Basin for a further 24 hours, citing continued flood risks due to heavy rainfall and upstream water releases.
According to the Department, the warning will now remain valid until 5.30 p.m. on December 20, 2025. The original alert was issued on December 18 following increased water levels in the Mahaweli catchment areas.
Authorities say the risk of minor flooding has been heightened due to persistent rainfall in upstream regions and the controlled release of water from reservoirs in the Mahaweli Valley.
Residents in low-lying areas within the Kinniya, Muttur, Kantale, Seruvila, Welikanda, Lankapura, Thamankaduwa, and Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions against possible inundation.
The Department of Irrigation also warned of potential flooding along parts of the Batticaloa–Polonnaruwa Road, particularly near the Gallella area, as well as on the access road to the Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara and surrounding locations.
In light of the prevailing conditions, devotees traveling to the Somawathiya Raja Maha Vihara, residents living close to the Mahaweli River, and vehicle drivers using roads in vulnerable zones are strongly advised to exercise heightened caution over the coming days.
Meanwhile, Disaster Management authorities have been requested to remain on standby and take adequate precautionary measures to minimize potential damage and ensure public safety as water levels continue to be closely monitored.