A total of 22,236 persons from 5,803 families across eight (08) districts in Sri Lanka have been severely affected by adverse weather conditions between May 22-25, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The DMC states that 1,507 individuals from 379 families have been placed in 21 temporary safety shelters, while 248 persons remain with their relatives.

As of 06.00 am today (25), one person has been reported dead in Gampaha and one person injured in Colombo.

A total of 860 houses have sustained partial damage, while two houses have been completely damaged. (Newswire)

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The Export Development Board (EDB) has launched a rapid relief and recovery program following the severe impact of adverse weather conditions on Sri Lanka’s export sector. 

Accordingly, the EDB has already commenced comprehensive damage assessments of exporters most affected by the adverse weather conditions. 

The EDB further states that these assessments will guide the targeted relief interventions required for the export sector.

A discussion meeting was held recently at the EDB premises, with the participation of Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Tilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, Erandika Dissanayake, Actg. Director General, Kumudinie Mudalige, Actg. Additional Director General, Sanjeewa Rathnasekara, Director Trade Facilitation & Trade Information along with senior officials and exporters.

The Chairman of the Export Development Board emphasized that strategic interventions are actively underway to tackle immediate challenges facing the export sector. These measures focus on minimizing disruptions to export operations to ensure a steady flow of goods and services to international markets. 

Additionally, efforts are being made to mitigate the adverse impact on production capacity, safeguarding the ability of exporters to maintain output levels. A key priority is also placed on reactivating disrupted supply chains, restoring the seamless connectivity essential for efficient production and export processes. Through these targeted actions, the EDB aims to sustain export growth and build resilience against short-term obstacles.

The EDB is currently working closely with customs, port authorities, and logistics providers to manage infrastructure delays caused by adverse weather conditions and expedite export-related clearances.

Special government attention has now been focused on assisting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in particular to rapidly reactivate their operational capacity during this recovery process.

The discussion highlighted the growing intensity and frequency of climate-related challenges in recent times, underscoring the urgent need for proactive and sustainable responses. It was emphasized that addressing these environmental issues is not only critical for mitigating risks but also essential for ensuring long-term economic resilience. 

By integrating sustainability into export practices and promoting green technologies, the EDB aims to strengthen the export sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. This approach seeks to support exporters in adapting to climate realities while fostering greener and more resilient trade pathways that align with global environmental goals. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today instructed public representatives in affected districts to intervene swiftly to prevent loss of life and to provide relief to those impacted by the prevalent inclement weather conditions.

The President gave these instructions, taking into account the heavy rainfall expected to intensify over the next two days, creating severe weather risks in Sri Lanka.

The directive was issued during a special discussion held this morning (27) at the Parliament premises to review the emergency disaster situation and relief services arising from the adverse weather conditions across the country.

He directed Members of Parliament to visit their districts and assess the plight of affected communities, and further instructed both government and opposition MPs to convene District Coordinating Committees and Regional Development Committees. These committees are to identify current risk situations and potential future disasters in their respective areas, and to act promptly to ensure public safety and relief.

It was decided that further discussions on this matter would be taken up at the Party Leaders’ meeting scheduled for 2.00 pm. today, as MPs’ involvement in relief efforts should not hinder budget debates or parliamentary proceedings.

The meeting focused primarily on public safety, rescue operations, and the continuous provision of health and relief services to affected communities. Special attention was also given to the ongoing Advanced Level examinations and the continuation of educational activities.

The President instructed that cooked meals and dry rations be continuously supplied to people arriving at relief camps, those confined to their homes, and those staying with relatives due to disaster conditions. He also emphasized the need to establish a compensation mechanism for destroyed houses and damaged farmlands.

Additionally, attention was drawn to the irrigation system and its safety, as well as to the protection of highways in areas vulnerable to landslides. (Newswire)

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Thirty-nine (39) individuals from nine affected families in the Galle District have been moved to temporary shelters due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in the area.

According to the Sri Lanka Army, the affected families are currently sheltered at the Sudarshanaramaya Temple in Piyadigama, Galle, which has been designated as a safety centre.

Meanwhile, four civilians, including a mother and her two-month-old infant, who had been stranded due to rising floodwaters, were rescued by the Sri Lanka Army yesterday (21). 

They were safely escorted to the relief centre by personnel from the 2nd Volunteer Gemunu Watch Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army. (Newswire)

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A total of 20,333 persons from 6,797 families have been severely affected across 13 districts due to adverse weather conditions reported from 13-21 January 2025 in Sri Lanka.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 02 persons have been reported dead and 03 individuals were reported injured during this period.

A total of 686 persons from 228 families have been placed at 18 safety shelters as of now.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department says a major flood was reported in the Thathrimale area due to a rise in the water levels of the Malwathu Oya. 

A minor flood was reported in the Horowpathana area due to the rising water levels of the Yan Oya.

A flood alert has been issued to the Manampitiya area due to the rising water levels of the Mahaweli River. 

Furthermore, the landslide warnings issued to four districts are effective until 04.00 pm today.

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings to the Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Matale Districts. (Newswire)

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The death toll due to inclement weather in Sri Lanka has risen to 18 persons, as of 06.00 am today.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 11 of the deaths are reported from Ampara, two from Puttalam, and one each from Badulla, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Jaffna, and Kurunegala.

No persons are reported missing, while 20 individuals have been reported to have sustained injuries in various disaster incidents since 22 November.

A total of 470,094 persons from 139,500 families are severely affected across 25 districts due to adverse weather conditions. 

The DMC states that 7,946 persons from 2,494 families are currently in 79 safety shelters, while 63,193 persons from 18,266 families remain at the houses of relatives.

Meanwhile, the landslide warnings issued by the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) to 06 districts have been extended until 04.00 pm today.

The NBRO has issued yellow alerts to some areas of the Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts. (Newswire)

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A total of 469,872 persons from 139,439 families across 24 districts are reported to have been affected due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), as of 06.00 am today, the death toll stands at 17 persons, with no individuals reported missing, and 20 reported to have sustained injuries in various disaster incidents.

The DMC further said that 10,204 persons from 3,114 families are currently at 99 safety shelters, while 65,020 persons from 18,886 families remain at the houses of relatives.

Meanwhile, the landslide warnings issued by the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) for 09 districts have been extended until 04.00 pm today.

The NBRO has issued yellow and amber alerts for some areas of Badulla, Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura. 

Furthermore, the Irrigation Department says the flood warnings issued to several areas have been revoked due to the water levels of several rivers receding.

The department further reported that all flood-affected areas have returned to normal as of last evening. (Newswire) 

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The death toll due to inclement weather in Sri Lanka has risen to 14 persons, as of 12.00 noon today, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported.

According to the DMC, 09 of the deaths have been reported from the Ampara District, two from the Putalam District, and one each from the Badulla, Trincomalee, and Vavuniya Districts. 

The DMC further stated that 02 persons were reported missing from the Ampara District, while 20 persons were reported injured due to various disaster incidents.

As of 12.00 noon today, a total of 442,185 persons from 132,289 families have been severely affected due to inclement weather experienced across 24 districts of Sri Lanka.

The DMC states that 38,594 persons from 12,334 are currently placed in 341 safety shelters, while 115,628 persons from 45,415 families are placed in relatives’ houses. (Newswire)

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• Summary of affected persons:

A total of 441,590 persons from 132,110 families from 24 districts have been severely affected due to the inclement weather experienced in Sri Lanka.

According to the Disaster Management Centre, as of 06.00 am today, 13 persons are reported dead, 01 person is reported missing, and 20 are injured due to various disaster incidents.

A total of 38,616 persons from 12,348 families are placed in 437 safety shelters, while, 115,319 have been relocated to the residences of relatives.

• Flood warnings:

The spill gates of the Deduru-Oya have been opened. As such, residents in the Wariyapola, Nikaweratiya, Maho, Kobeigane, Bingiriya, Pallama, Chilaw, Arachchikattuwa and Rasnayakapura areas are requested to remain vigilant of floods.

Amber alerts have also been issued to several areas due to the rise in the water levels of the Kala Oya, Malwathu Oya, Kelani River, Heda Oya, Mahaweli River and Mundeni Aru. 

• Landslide warning:

The National Building Research Organization has issued landslide warnings to 09 districts, effective until 04.00 pm today.

Accordingly, Red alerts have been issued in some areas in the Kandy, Kegalle, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts.

Amber alerts have been issued to some areas of the Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, and Nuwara Eliya Districts.

Yellow alerts have been issued to some areas of Badulla, Colombo, Gampaha, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura districts.

• Tri-forces operations

A total of 3,183 tri-forces personnel have been deployed for relief activities as a result of the adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Army has deployed 2080 officers, Sri Lanka Navy 520 personnel, Sri Lanka Air Force 540 officers, and 43 Police officers.

• Hotlines to contact for disaster emergencies

The Disaster Management Centre urges those who require assistance due to adverse weather conditions to contact its emergency hotlines 117,  0112 136 222 / 0112 670 002.

People can contact the 24-hour Police operation centre via the hotlines 011-2027148, 011-2472757, 011-2430912, 011-2013051, or 107 (for Tamil-speaking people) or via the email disaster.ops@police.gov.lk (Newswire)

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Deep depression;

The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, located about 240 km northeast of Trincomalee and 290km east of Kankasanthurai last night, is likely to move northwestwards, towards the Tamil Nadu coast today.

According to the Department of Meteorology, the influence of this system on Sri Lanka’s weather is expected to gradually reduce after today (29 Nov).

Weather forecast for Friday:

The Met Department forecasts showers or thundershowers in the Northern and North-central provinces and Trincomalee district today. Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely in some places in the Northern province. Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and Galle, Matara, Matale and Kandy districts. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere on the island in the evening or night.

Strong winds of about 60 kmph can be expected at times over the Northern, North-central, Northwestern, Eastern, Central and Southern provinces. The public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Weather forecast for sea areas;

The Naval and fishing communities are warned not to venture to the deep and shallow sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee until further notice and be vigilant in this regard in the other sea areas around the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas around the island. The sea areas extending from Puttalam to Batticaloa via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee will be rough to very rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough at times. Swell waves about 2.5–3.0 m in height may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Batticaloa to Kankasanthurai via Trincomalee. There is a possibility that near-shore sea areas off the coast extending from Batticaloa to Kankasanthurai via Trincomalee may experience surges due to swell waves. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

Winds will be North-westerly to Westerly into the sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be 40-50 kmph in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed can increase up to 60-70 kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Batticaloa via Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has instructed Provincial Chief Secretaries, Provincial Secretaries, and Directors of Education to make decisions on school operations due to the prevalent adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka. 

Accordingly, the relevant officials have been instructed to discuss and take necessary steps on whether or not to open schools in areas affected by the inclement weather. 

Meanwhile, the Director of Education of the Western Province has announced that all schools in the Colombo Educational Zone will be closed tomorrow (Oct 15).

The Chief Secretary of the Western Province has also announced that all schools in the Gampaha and Kelaniya Education Zones, and the Kolonnawa and Kaduwela Education Divisions will be closed tomorrow. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized the need for a specific and sustainable program to address the recurring flood situation in the country.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President noted that frequent flooding requires long-term solutions for effective control.

During a meeting today (Oct 14) with officials from the Ministry of Disaster Management and the Ministry of Finance at the Presidential Secretariat, the President directed officials to prioritize immediate relief for those affected by the recent inclement weather in Colombo, Gampaha, Puttalam, and Kalutara.

Following the relief efforts, attention should then shift to repairing damaged properties. President Dissanayake also instructed the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to allocate additional funds if necessary for flood relief measures. Rs. 50 million had already been added to the flood relief budget to support relief efforts for those impacted by the disaster under President Dissanayake’s instructions.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha (Retired), Disaster Management Ministry Additional Secretary K.G. Dharmathilaka, Disaster Management Division Director General (Planning) W.W.S. Mangala, National Building Research Organization Director General Dr. Asiri Karunawardena, Meteorological Department Director General A.K. Karunanayake, Senior Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Service Center Namal Indika Liyanage, and Acting Director General of the Disaster Management Center W.G.A.K. Tillakaratne. (Newswire)

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