ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has issued a series of evacuation orders down river as reservoirs continue to spill from heavy rains unleashed by Cyclone Ditwah which has left 69 killed and over 200,000 people were hit with 18,000 displaced.
Flood water is the Colombo and Gampaha districts are still rising and many have been already evacuated.
Ja-Ela and Gampaha towns are under water and water level in Negambo can rise further as water level in Deduru Oya continues to rise, officials said.
“The flood situation in the island is continuing. Just because rains have stopped, floods will not reduce downriver,” Sakura Dilthara, Engineer Department of Irrigation said early Saturday speaking to Sri Lanka’s Sirasa Television.
“The Nagalagam Street (in Colombo) indicator, is now at minor flood level, and it is likely to develop to Major Flood level by evening.”
“In Hanwella in the Kelani River the flood level is still rising. So that low lying people in low lying areas must take action.”
“If you haven’t evacuated already in the next three hours you must take action. In areas below Hanwella is continuing to rise.”
Flood levels in 2025 will be higher than the flood in 2016. As result houses, away from those innundated in 2016 will be it this year, she said.
“In Athhanagalu Oya valley water is still rising. As a result, from Gampaha and lower reaches of river the flood level is continuing to go up,” Dilthara said.
“In Maha Oya, in Girulla and Badalgama areas water levels are rising very fast. It is rising from an already Major Flood level. So people in the low lying areas of Maha Oya have to be extremely careful.
“In the Kalu River, in Ratnapura (upper reaches) the flood level is reducing a little, but the levels in lower reaches can go up.
Lower reaches of the river includes the Kaluthara district.
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“In the Deduru Oya, the reservoir is still spilling and there is Major Flood level. So the lower reaches Negambo the flood level can go up,” Dilthara said.
“So people have to take even more precautions The Malwatho Oya is also on the high alert level.”
“In the Mahweli and Kala Oya valleys the situation is the same. If you have not yet moved to safe places, please move immediately to the farthest away high ground you can reach.
“Avoid playing in water. Be careful in driving.”
(Colombo/Nov29/2025)