Kotmale spill gates opened as officials warn downstream residents

The spill gates at Sri Lanka's Kotmale Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir were opened at 11.30am on November 11, releasing water into the Kotmale Oya. The reported release rate was 150 cubic metres per second.

The engineer in charge said the reservoir stood at 701.3 metres above mean sea level at 10.15am, about 1.7 metres below its spill level. The decision to release water was taken amid continuing rain and forecasts of more rainfall in the catchment.

The aim was to lower the reservoir level and reduce risks downstream. Residents along the lower Kotmale Oya and the Mahaweli River below the dam were advised to stay vigilant and exercise caution.

The opening was a managed water release in response to wet conditions. The report did not describe a dam failure. People in downstream areas should follow current instructions from local authorities, as release rates and river conditions can change.