Flooding puts Colombo water supply at ‘significant risk,’ officials warn

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board said that rising water levels in the Kelani River could disrupt operations at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant, placing Colombo’s water supply at potential risk.

NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara said the situation could become critical if the river rises another seven to eight feet, a threshold that would significantly affect the plant’s ability to function. The Ambatale facility is the main source of treated water for the capital.

Bandara said water distribution across the Western Province remains uninterrupted for now, but cautioned that conditions could change quickly as heavy rainfall continues in upstream regions.

The Irrigation Department and the Disaster Management Centre also reported that river levels are steadily increasing, heightening concern for communities along the Kelani and for essential infrastructure.

Bandara said authorities are taking all possible measures to manage the situation and ensure continued water supply, but urged the public to stay alert as the situation develops.