Mawil Aru sluice gate and dam bank at risk due to Mahaweli River overflow

The Mawil Aru sluice gate and the bank of the Mawil Aru Reservoir are currently in a precarious condition due to the Mahaweli River reaching an unmanageable water level, according to the Director General of Irrigation, Ajith Gunasekara.

The Director General stated that while the sluice gate and the bank are indeed at risk, they do not currently anticipate the gate or the dam bank to break.

However, the excessive flow of water in the Mahaweli River, combined with the heavy rainfall in the area, has caused the Mawil Aru Reservoir and the surrounding region to appear as a single continuous body of water, raising the risk of the sluice or dam failing.

The Director General of Irrigation has appealed to residents living downstream of the Mawil Aru Reservoir to remain vigilant.

He requested that they move to safe locations if possible.

He added that this morning (30), he intends to secure the assistance of the Navy or other security forces to inspect the Mawil Aru Reservoir for any dangerous conditions and provide a detailed update to the public.