Colombo water levels rising but no major damage expected: Irrigation Department
01-Dec-2025.
Floodwaters in several areas of Colombo remain due to the overflowing Kelani River. Even though water levels may rise slightly, the increase will be limited to about 5 inches. Levels are expected to begin receding from December 2, said Irrigation Department Director General Ajith Gunasekara.
He further stated:
Colombo faces significant flood risk due to the Kelani River overflow. This condition will continue for the next 24 hours. Water levels may rise slightly but not beyond roughly 5 inches. From Dec 2, levels are expected to recede. Flood levels in Hanwella and surrounding areas will not increase further. Water has begun draining slowly.
Gampaha town is completely flooded due to Attanagalu Oya overflowing. Water is expected to recede by this afternoon. By tomorrow evening, most areas except low-lying zones will likely be free of floodwater.
In Girulla, heavy flooding occurred due to rising Maha Oya levels, but water has begun receding. Girulla town is expected to be fully dry by Monday morning. Minor-effects may occur in areas downstream such as Pothankama and Katana, though not severe enough to worsen daily life significantly.
Water levels in Kalu Ganga have risen slightly in Kalutara. Floodwater in Ratnapura is declining. Deduru Oya is releasing water at 100,000 cubic feet per second; this will be reduced by morning. Chilaw hospital is flooded, but water is expected to drain today.
Major reservoirs in Anuradhapura are spilling, causing flooding near Malwathu Oya. Flooding will continue today (Dec 1); draining will begin by evening and fully recede by morning.
Kala Oya spill from Rajanganaya reservoir, which earlier released 100,000 cubic feet per second and now reduced to 60,000, had flooded Neluwankulama, Kala Oya and Nochchiyagama. Flooding is decreasing.
Because spill gates were opened in advance, no reservoir has suffered damage. Trincomalee district, near the mouth of the Mahaweli River, continues to experience high floods.
Polonnaruwa is flooded due to Mahaweli overflow. Some recession was observed yesterday. Minneriya and Kaudulla reservoirs continue to spill though flood levels are declining. Overall, no area is facing catastrophic disaster. Water levels are not expected to rise further.
