The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has alleged that the government is releasing water from the Victoria Reservoir in an unusual manner to generate electricity.
Speaking at a media briefing in Nugegoda on April 15, FSP Propaganda Secretary Duminda Nagamuwa stated that the decision was taken due to reduced thermal power generation caused by the import of substandard coal.
He claimed that the matter was discussed at a meeting held on March 24, chaired by Ministers K.D. Lalkantha and Kumara Jayakody, with the participation of relevant officials.
Nagamuwa further alleged that the drop in electricity output from the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant has increased reliance on costly diesel-powered generation.
He said the government has resorted to alternative measures, including the excessive use of reservoir water, to avoid public backlash over rising electricity costs.
According to him, the water level of the Victoria Reservoir, which should be maintained at around 422 metres above sea level for drinking water needs, is now being reduced due to what he described as arbitrary decisions.
He warned that this situation could disrupt the operations of the Balagolla Barrage pumping station, which supplies drinking water to Kandy, Kundasale and Digana.
Nagamuwa also noted that around 17,000 water supply connections are currently affected, with daily demand of approximately 12,000 cubic metres being met with only about 500 cubic metres through bowser distribution.
He added that several factories in the Polgahawela Export Processing Zone have already suspended operations due to water shortages.
He further cautioned that the issue could impact water management in the Randenigala and Rantembe reservoir systems, posing a risk to agricultural activities.
Calling the move reckless, he urged the government to take immediate corrective action to prevent the crisis from worsening.
