Tuesday Sep 22, 2026
Tuesday Sep 22, 2026
Monday, 21 September 2026 03:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm, thundershowers and strong winds are expected in several parts of the country until tomorrow, the Meteorological Department said yesterday.
Issuing its general weather forecast at 4 p.m. on 20 September, the Department said a low-pressure area had formed over the Bay of Bengal, northeast of Sri Lanka in the vicinity of the Andaman region.
Although the system was not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, rainy conditions in the southwestern parts of the island were expected to continue due to wind flow towards the system.
Showers or thundershowers were forecast to occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western provinces, as well as in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, with heavy falls exceeding 100 mm likely at some locations in these areas.
Several spells of showers were expected in the North Central Province and Mannar District, while showers or thundershowers were forecast at several places in Uva Province and in Batticaloa and Ampara districts after 2 p.m.
Fairly strong winds of 30-40 kmph were expected at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, North Central and North Western provinces, and in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale districts.
The public has been advised to take adequate precautions to minimise damage from temporary, localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Separately, a large earth mound collapsed onto the Hatton-Bagawantalawa-Maskeliya-Balangoda road at Wanraja Estate in Dikoya yesterday, completely disrupting traffic along the route amid heavy rainfall in the Hatton area.
The landslide occurred at around 11 a.m. yesterday, and Hatton Police, together with residents, began clearing the earth from the road.
Police said the Road Development Authority had also been informed to deploy machinery and expedite the removal of the earth.
As there is a further risk of landslides at the location, Hatton Police have urged motorists travelling along the affected section of road to exercise extreme caution.
Meanwhile, authorities have warned residents in several areas of Kandy District to remain alert over the possibility of flooding as water levels in the Mahaweli River continue to rise.
According to a notice issued by the Irrigation Department, heavy flooding could occur if the water levels in the Mahaweli River rise further.
The warning covers residents in Gelioya, Gampola, Nawalapitiya and Peradeniya, with Divisional Secretaries and police authorities being requested to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of residents.
Authorities have been instructed to direct people to designated safe centres where necessary, depending on the developing flood situation.
The notice was issued by Deputy Director (Disaster Management) I.A.K. Ranaweera on behalf of the Kandy District Secretary.
