Water levels in Moragahakanda, other reservoirs drop to record low

Water levels in the Moragahakanda reservoir have reduced by 34 percent owing to the drought in the country, Irrigation Engineers said.

Due to this reason, certain areas belonging to the Naula Pradeshiya Sabha which had been submerged in the reservoir, have resurfaced, the engineers observed.

Among these areas are the seventh-mile post of Kongahawela, Halambagahawatte, and a small area in Elagamuwa.

Meanwhile, water levels in reservoirs surrounding power stations have decreased to a record low in 29 years, Power and Energy Ministry Director Sulakshana Jayawardena said.

A need has therefore arisen to generate power from thermal power plants, Mr. Jayawardena said adding that steps would be taken to provide uninterrupted power supply to the consumers.

The Ministry Director also said that relevant steps are being taken to pay off the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)’s Rs 80 billion debt to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) due to fuel purchases.

He made these remarks while referring to the recent warnings of possible power cuts which were issued after the CPC suspended fuel supply to the CEB.

(Pics by Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa and Indika Aruna Kumara)