Severe Weather Causes Flooding and Travel Disruptions

COLOMBO (News 1st);The Department of Irrigation states that due to heavy rainfall, the Attanagalu Oya remains at a minor flood level in the Dunamale area.

L.S. Sooriayabandara, the Director of the Hydrology Division, urged residents living along both banks of the river to remain vigilant. He added that the water levels of the Kalu Ganga and Kelani Ganga also continue to remain high.

Meanwhile, the Gampaha District Disaster Management Centre stated that several areas along the Gampaha – Ja-Ela road and the Gampaha – Ganemulla road have been inundated due to the overflowing of the Attanagalu Oya.

The centre further stated that several locations on the Biyagama – Malwana road are also submerged.

Additionally, a section of the temporary bridge at Mellawagedara on the Negombo – Kotadeniyawa road has collapsed due to the heavy rains.

Police reported that the Katunayake – Minuwangoda road is currently blocked in the Naikanda area due to flooding, and motorists are advised to use alternative routes.

Vehicles traveling from Colombo via the highway through Katunayake towards the Kurunegala highway can travel via Ja-Ela and Minuwangoda.

Vehicles traveling from the Kurunegala highway via Katunayake towards Colombo can travel via Minuwangoda and Ja-Ela.

Vehicles coming from Gampaha can travel via Minuwangoda and Seeduwa, or use the Minuwangoda – Ja-Ela road.

The Airport Duty Officer informs airline passengers to arrive at the airport approximately 4 hours prior to their flight departure time, as many access roads leading to the Katunayake Airport are heavily flooded.

The Airport Duty Officer also strongly advises passengers to use the main expressway (highway) under the current circumstances.