Eastern Schools Shut, Key Roads Closed, Mahaweli River Overflows Amidst Adverse Weather

Considering the adverse weather conditions affecting the Eastern Province and the prevailing cyclone threat, the Governor of the Eastern Province has decided to close Muslim schools in the province from tomorrow (27th) until further notice. Schools are expected to reopen once the weather improves. Authorities emphasize that this decision will not hinder the G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations currently underway.

Accordingly, examination duties in schools designated as examination centers will proceed as planned without interruption.

Due to heavy rainfall in the central hills, steps have been taken to restrict traffic on several main roads. The Disaster Management Centre has decided to close the Colombo - Kandy main road from 10:00 PM tonight (26th) until further notice, as the risk in the Lower Kadugannawa area, where a landslide recently claimed 06 lives, has further increased. Additionally, several large rocks have become unstable in a tea estate in the Gerandi Ella area of Kothmale, on the Gampola - Nuwara Eliya main road. For passenger safety, this road has also been temporarily closed from this afternoon, and drivers are advised to use alternative routes.

According to data from the irrigation sector, 06 spill gates of the Deduru Oya reservoir have been opened, releasing 18,600 cubic feet of water per second, the Department of Irrigation states. This situation has created a minor flood risk in the lower Deduru Oya valley areas across several Divisional Secretariat divisions, including Wariyapola and Nikaweratiya, and the related warning has been extended for another 48 hours. Furthermore, as the spill gates of the Kalawewa reservoir may be opened up to 10 feet after 10:00 PM tonight, irrigation engineers urge users of the Aukana - Wijithapura road and residents along the Kala Oya to remain vigilant.

Due to the overflowing Mahaweli River, the Polonnaruwa District Disaster Management Unit has taken steps to completely close the Somawathiya - Sungawila main road, which leads to the historic Somawathiya sacred site, from this afternoon. The Diggala area of that road is submerged under approximately two feet of water, so devotees are advised to refrain from visiting until the water level recedes. Furthermore, as the water levels of the Hada Oya and Kumbukkan Oya in the Monaragala and Ampara districts are rapidly rising,

the Department of Irrigation has issued flood warnings to residents in low-lying areas such as Siyambalanduwa, Lahugala, Buttala, and Okkampitiya.

Considering the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Railway Department has decided that all trains operating on the Upcountry Line will only run between Colombo Fort -  Nanu Oya and Nanu Oya- Colombo Fort.
Accordingly, the Podi Menike (5:55 AM), Udarata Menike (8:30 AM), and the train scheduled to depart at 9:45 AM from Colombo Fort to Badulla tomorrow (27th) morning will only operate up to Nanu Oya railway station.
Similarly, the Kandy Odyssey (9:40 AM) train traveling from Kandy to Badulla will also operate only up to Nanu Oya.
Additionally, the Udarata Menike (9:20 AM), Kandy Odyssey (11:00 AM), Podi Menike (12:15 PM), and the 2:16 PM trains will commence their journeys from Nanu Oya.
The Railway Department has decided to continue operations in this manner until the adverse weather conditions subside.