According to the Irrigation Department, the water capacity currently stored in Sri Lanka’s main reservoirs stands at approximately 45%.

Irrigation Director (Water Management) Engineer H.M.P.S.D. Herath stated that the water capacity of reservoirs managed by the Irrigation Department is currently around 33%.

He further noted that water levels in reservoirs in the Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Mannar districts are currently at around 20%.

However, as the Yala cultivation season has reached its final stage, the existing water reserves are expected to be sufficient to meet the remaining agricultural requirements, he said.

Herath also expressed confidence that areas dependent on these reservoirs for drinking water are unlikely to face any shortages.

Meanwhile, plans for agricultural activities during the upcoming Maha season have already been prepared. Decisions reached at pre-season and seasonal meetings have confirmed that cultivation activities in the Ampara District under the Maha season will commence tomorrow (15).

Herath further stated that the commencement dates for cultivation under other irrigation schemes during the Maha season are being determined based on current reservoir water levels and rainfall forecasts.

Several other irrigation schemes are also scheduled to commence cultivation activities tomorrow, he added.