Dry weather causes a drop in water levels

The water levels of Castlereigh and Maussakele reservoirs have dropped due to the dry spell in the western slopes of the central hills.

According to officials, the capacity of the Castlereigh reservoir was 18 feet below the standard level of 155feet and that of the Maussakele reservoir 34 feet below the standard level of 157 this morning.

Several old buildings that had gone under during construction works of the Maussakele reservoir had emerged when the water level dwindled.

They said the Canyon hydro power complex fed by the Maussakele reservoir has not been in operation for about a month due to maintenance works in the tunnel and that it would take several months to complete the repairs.  (Ranjith Rajapakse)