Somawathiya road closed as Mahaweli river overflows at Manampitiya

By Nimal Jayarathne - Manampitiya

Polonnaruwa, February 22 (Daily Mirror) - The Somawathiya Road in the Lankapura Divisional Secretariat Division has been closed to traffic after the Mahaweli River overflowed at Manampitiya due to torrential rains in the upper catchment areas.

The Assistant Director of Disaster Management in Polonnaruwa said the water level of the Mahaweli River has reached overflowing level, inundating sections of the Sungawila–Somawathiya Road and forcing authorities to shut it down for public safety.

He noted that heavy rainfall in the upper parts of the island has significantly increased the river’s flow, leading to the current situation.

The Irrigation Department has urged residents living on both sides of the Mahaweli River to remain vigilant and be prepared to act on official instructions if water levels continue to rise. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes until the floodwaters subside.