Sri Lanka, Nov. 11 -- The spill gates of the Kotmale Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir were opened at 11.30 a.m. today (11), releasing water at a rate of 150 cubic metres per second into the Kotmale Oya.

According to the Engineer-in-Charge, the reservoir water level stood at 701.3 metres above mean sea level at 10.15 a.m., which was 1.7 metres below the spill level.

However, in view of the prevailing rainy weather and forecasts of further rainfall in the reservoir's catchment areas, authorities decided to open the spill gates to reduce the water level and minimise potential risks to downstream areas.

The Engineer-in-Charge has advised residents living along the lower reaches of the Kotmale Oya and downstream areas of the Mahaweli River bel...