Sri Lanka’s major reservoirs currently hold around 50 percent of their total storage capacity, providing sufficient water resources for irrigation and domestic needs, Director General of the Department of Irrigation, Eng. Dr. Kithsiri Weligepola, said.
Speaking at a special media briefing held at the Department of Government Information on July 6, Dr. Weligepola noted that the country is nearing the end of the Yala cultivation season, with harvesting expected to be completed by the first week of August. As a result, reservoir water levels are expected to decline to some extent in the coming weeks.
He stated that plans are in place to commence the Maha cultivation season in early October while maintaining existing water levels in reservoirs and ensuring a smooth transition to the next cultivation cycle.
Dr. Weligepola also pointed out that if higher rainfall is received in November, paddy crops would be able to withstand a short period of water stress, providing additional support for cultivation activities.
He further emphasized that, except for some reservoirs in the Eastern Province, reservoirs supplying drinking water across the country currently contain adequate water to meet demand.
