A significant increase in rainfall is expected across the country over the next few days, according to Malith Fernando, a meteorologist attached to the Department of Meteorology.

Speaking at a media briefing held today (10) by the Department of Government Information on prevailing weather conditions, he said that the rainy conditions experienced during the past several days are expected to persist in the days ahead.

Meteorologist Malith Fernando further stated that the atmospheric disturbance currently prevailing in the lower atmosphere has the potential to intensify into a low-pressure area by tomorrow (11).

Fernando emphasized that the prevailing weather pattern is not yet a full monsoon situation, but rather a pre-monsoon condition. He noted that, with the development of the low-pressure system, monsoon conditions are likely to establish by around May 20, bringing associated weather changes to the island.

NBRO warns of continued landslide risk in several areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah

Senior Geologist of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), W. S. Senadeera has warned that areas previously affected by the Cyclone Ditwah remain in a vulnerable condition, with signs of ongoing soil erosion and exposure of large and medium-sized rocks.

Speaking at the media briefing, he stated that even with minimal rainfall, these exposed rocks could become unstable and fall, increasing the risk of further landslides.

Senior Geologist Senadeera further noted that while some locations that had shown landslide activity have now become inactive, they still retain the potential to be reactivated depending on upcoming rainfall conditions.

Considering the prevailing weather situation, the NBRO has issued Level 1 early warnings for the Passara Divisional Secretariat in the Badulla District, as well as the Badalkumbura and Wellawaya Divisional Secretariats in the Monaragala District.

Authorities have urged residents in these areas to remain vigilant as rainfall conditions may trigger renewed landslide activity in vulnerable zones.

Several reservoirs overflowing as river levels rise

The Chief Engineer of the Hydrology Division of the Irrigation Department, Chamara Yapa Arachchi said that the department is closely monitoring the developing situation based on weather alerts issued by the Department of Meteorology.

He noted that both the Disaster Management Unit and Hydrological Management Division of the Irrigation Department are maintaining heightened vigilance in response to potential disaster risks.

According to him, nine major reservoirs and five medium-scale reservoirs under the department’s management are currently overflowing due to ongoing rainfall.

The Chief Engineer stated that river water levels have shown an increase following recent rainfall; however, they have not yet reached dangerous levels.

Several rivers including the Kirindi Oya, Walawe, Deduru Oya, Malwathu Oya, Kelani and Kalu rivers have all recorded rising water levels, though still below critical thresholds, he added.

Authorities have urged residents living in adjacent areas of these river basins to remain cautious and closely monitor updates as weather conditions continue to evolve.

DMC activates nationwide coordination amid heightened weather risk

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said its operations are currently active across all 25 districts, with coordinated discussions held on May 8 to review and prepare for possible emerging disaster situations.

The Director of the Disaster Management Centre, Pradeep Kodippili stated that priority is being given to community-based programmes, with continuous awareness campaigns being conducted for residents living in river basins and landslide-prone areas.

He said these programmes aim to educate the public on identifying early warning signs of landslides and other disaster risks, as part of ongoing preparedness efforts.

The DMC has urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any signs of potential hazards.

Members of the public can contact the 117 emergency hotline or reach their respective District Disaster Management Units for assistance, he added.