The Disaster Management Centre says 138,000 persons continue to be affected as a result of the inclement weather being experienced in various parts of the island.
The Deputy Director and Media Spokesman of the DMC Pradeep Koddippili said spill gates of the Kukule Ganga, Udawala, Laxapana, Rajanganaya, Upper Kotmale, Deduru Oya, Thabbowa and Bathalagoda reservoirs have been opened due to the incessant rains in the area.
Engineers at the Laxapana hydro power plant said continuous rain fall would result in a need to open a second spill gate as well.
Koddippili cautioned the public in low lying areas to be mindful of possible inundation.
Commenting on the flood situation in the country the DMC said inundations were recorded in various parts of the Puttalam and Matara Districts.
The National Building Research Organisation said landslide warnings have been issued in the Kalutara, Galle, Ratnapura, Kegalle and Nuwara-Eliya Districts.
The NBRO cautioned the public to always be watchful of possible signs of landslides.
Meanwhile the Department of Meteorology predicts the prevailing inclement weather may continue till tomorrow.
However the Deputy General of the Department of Meteorology said the adverse weather may reduce after tomorrow although showers may continue across the island.
He noted the Department makes predictions based on continuous changes observed in the atmosphere.
Furthermore 17 deaths have been reported thus far owing to the inclement weather while one person remains missing in the Gampaha District.
Seven individuals have died due to lightning related accidents while six individuals have died due to drowning.
Two other individuals were killed buried under landsides while another two passed away due to falling trees.
Furthermore a Police Officer who was engaged in rescue missions in Madampe-Galmuruwa South in the Galwala area is reported missing after been swept away by a strong tide.
Police said the missing officer was attempting to rescue three persons who were drowning.
The 29 year old Police Constable is a resident of Giriulla.
Police Media Spokesman Superintendent of Police Ruwan Gunasekara said a search mission was launched by the Sri Lanka Navy together with officers of the Disaster Management Centre, the Police and area residents.
Meanwhile the Department of Irrigation says the water levels of the Kelani River have seen a gradual increase.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo Deputy Director of the Department Mala Alawathugoda said water levels on the Kalu, Gin and Nilawala rivers are gradually decreasing.
However she said the water level of the Ma-oya has increased owing to continuous rainfall.
The Deputy Director stressed a pre flood warnings were issued to areas in and around Ma-oya including Badalgama and Giriulla areas.
