Several sections of the Wellawaya–Colombo main road were submerged on the night of May 10 following heavy rainfall in Wellawaya and surrounding areas, with rising water levels blocking vehicular movement along the route.
The Gangaramaya Temple area and the Ethiliwewa region in Wellawaya were among the worst affected, with flooding spilling onto the main road and making passage difficult for drivers, according to Ada Derana. Authorities confirmed that traffic flow had been obstructed due to rising water levels in the affected sections.
The flooding is consistent with the broader low-pressure weather system that the Meteorology Department had warned would bring heavy rainfall to southern and central districts on May 10 and 11. The department had issued advisories for 100 mm or more of rain in several provinces, urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to take precautions.
Wellawaya has experienced flooding before: the Kirindi Oya overflowed its banks on May 8 following earlier bouts of intense rainfall, affecting low-lying paddy areas. Motorists on the Wellawaya–Colombo corridor were advised to exercise caution, and alternative routes were recommended where possible while water levels remained elevated.
