Bad Weather Strikes Again: Central Province Schools Closed on Friday (19th) and Monday (22nd)

Considering the prevailing adverse weather conditions in the Central Province, authorities have decided to close all schools in the province tomorrow (19th) and next Monday, the 22nd. The Provincial Chief Secretary confirmed that this decision was made following a discussion held today (18th) between Central Province Governor Professor Sarath Abeykoon and provincial education authorities.

However, Central Province Education Secretary Ms. Madhupani Piyasena stated that schools are scheduled to reopen on December 29th, as previously planned, after this special holiday granted due to the weather and the Christmas vacation.

Meanwhile, the District Disaster Management Centre indicates that a landslide risk has become active since this morning in an area near Hunnasgiriya town in Kandy, due to continuous heavy rainfall. Particularly, as a safe center housing people affected by the previous Ditwa cyclone is located close to this landslide-prone area, steps have been taken to evacuate those individuals immediately.

Furthermore, Duty Engineer P.S. Bandara announced that the water level of the Moragahakanda Reservoir has risen to spill level, and therefore, spill gates may have to be opened at any moment. As of 2:00 PM today, the reservoir's water level was recorded at 184.80 meters, which is 98.92% of its total capacity.

According to future weather forecasts, the continued increase in rainfall in the catchment areas and the inflow of water released from the Bowatenna Reservoir into the Moragahakanda Reservoir are the main reasons for this rise in water levels. Authorities have also warned the public in the Polonnaruwa District to remain highly vigilant to minimize potential disaster situations in downstream areas should the spill gates be opened.