Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka — Torrential rains sweeping across the western slopes of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands have pushed the Castlereagh and Maussakelle reservoirs above critical levels, prompting an urgent response from engineers who have ramped up hydroelectric generation to full capacity.
As of early Tuesday, Castlereagh reservoir had risen 3.5 feet above its overflow level, while Maussakelle was reported at 5.3 feet above. The continuous downpour in the catchment areas has filled the two reservoirs beyond their safe limits, raising concerns of controlled water releases if the situation escalates further.
Hydroelectric power plants operated by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) — including Canyon, Laxapana, New Laxapana, Polpitiya, and Wimalasurendra — are currently functioning at maximum output to capitalise on the surplus water and stabilise energy supply across the country.
“This is one of those rare periods where water levels allow us to optimise generation across multiple stations simultaneously,” an engineer stationed at the Laxapana facility said. “We are keeping a close watch on inflows, but for now, the focus is on safely maximising output.”
Authorities are also carefully monitoring flood risk to downstream communities, particularly if rainfall intensifies or continues unabated. While no emergency evacuations have been announced, local residents have been urged to stay alert and adhere to updates from disaster management officials.
With monsoon conditions forecast to persist through the week, engineers are working around the clock to maintain structural safety at the reservoirs while meeting rising national electricity demands.
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