Construction work has already begun in Puttalam to install a state‑of‑the‑art Doppler radar system to enhance Sri Lanka’s capacity to forecast severe weather events, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
Addressing the weekly Cabinet briefing yesterday, Minister Jayatissa revealed that Sri Lanka plans to acquire the Doppler radar with support from the Government of Japan and that the radar is expected to be operational by 2027.
He described the initiative as a major upgrade to the Department of Meteorology, which will also be equipped with additional essential instruments.
“This is not the Doppler radar that was brought in 2017. We are obtaining a new one, which is being installed in Puttalam. However, having two radars will allow us to deliver weather information with greater accuracy,” he said.
Minister Jayatissa noted that the system is not only about forecasting but also about protecting lives. (Newswire)
