Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe has issued a warning over public safety, stating that residents along the Kelani River and in areas such as Kaduwela, Colombo, and Kolonnawa have reportedly been reluctant to evacuate despite rising flood risks.

He stressed that evacuation becomes extremely difficult once water levels rise and urged all residents in flood-prone zones to leave without delay.

The deputy minister further warned that floodwaters are expected to rise rapidly and unpredictably tonight, and called for immediate public cooperation to prevent loss of life. (Newswire)