UPDATE: The Irrigation Department in its latest update says the spill gates of the Kotmale Reservoir will be opened at around 7:00 a.m. today.

The spill gates of the Kotmale Reservoir will be opened at around 8:00 a.m. today (05), according to the Irrigation Engineer in charge of the reservoir.

The release will discharge approximately 130 cubic feet of water per second into the Mahaweli River, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) noted.

Accordingly, authorities have advised residents living in low-lying areas along the Mahaweli River in Ulapane, Gelioya, Gampola, Peradeniya and Katugastota to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions due to the increased water flow.

Meanwhile, showers and thundershowers will occur in several parts of the country, with heavy rainfall and strong winds expected in some areas today (05), the Department of Meteorology has stated.

According to the Met. Department, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western Provinces, and in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara Districts. Cloudy skies are expected to prevail over these areas throughout the day, the Met. Department added.

Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm is likely at some areas in the Sabaragamuwa Province and the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Districts.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the Uva and Eastern Provinces, and in the Mullaitivu District, after 2.00 p.m.

Strong winds of 40 to 50 km/h are also expected at times over the North Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-Western Provinces.

The Department of Meteorology has urged the general public to take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.