Sri Lanka braces for record rainfall till Sunday

• Sri Lanka on high alert as cyclone brings record rainfall and floods   
• Heavy rains disrupt transport; force thousands to evacuate across the country  
• Over 5,000 displaced, roads and railways cut off amid severe weather 
• Emergency declared in Kandy as extreme rainfall triggers disaster response  

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

Sri Lanka is bracing for days of record-breaking rainfall, with the Department of Meteorology warning that Cyclon Ditwah is set to unleash severe weather across the island until November 30.  

Meteorology Department Director General Athula Karunanayake said the depression—currently located about 120 km southeast of Batticaloa—is expected to develop into a deep depression or cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours. He warned that dark, dense cloud cover and sea waves rising 2–4 metres pose significant risks, urging naval and fishing communities to remain ashore.  

The Cyclone is unleashing heavy showers and strong winds across the island. Rainfall exceeding 200 mm is expected in the Northern, North-Central, Central, and North-Western provinces, and Trincomalee District. Other areas, including Sabaragamuwa, Western, Badulla, and Batticaloa districts, may see rainfall above 150 mm.

The depression is expected to move away by November 30 to South India.   

Sri Lanka is bracing for severe weather as a depression located about 120 km southeast of Batticaloa developed into Cyclone Ditwah, the Meteorology Department Director General Athula Karunanayake warned.   

Authorities expect Ditwah to move away by November 30 toward South India.   

Heavy rains and flooding across the country have already caused widespread disruption. Rail services along the Eastern line have been suspended or severely delayed after tracks and railway properties were submerged. Nuwara Eliya is experiencing heavy rain and mist, raising the risk of floods and landslides, while Rugam in Batticaloa has reportedly recorded over 300 mm of rainfall.   

Further, the number of deaths reported due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions across the country stood at 39, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).   

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued red alerts for eight high-risk districts, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepare for possible evacuation. The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has advised households to use the CEB Care app or web portal to report power outages, fallen lines, and other electrical issues to speed up restoration efforts.   

Authorities have confirmed at least 39 deaths nationwide due to landslides, floods, and structural collapses since November 17, with many more reported missing. Meanwhile, nearly 5,000 people have been displaced due to the adverse weather. Residents are urged to report emergencies through the 117 hotline to ensure rapid response. In Kumbukkana, 23 passengers were rescued after a bus got trapped in rising floodwaters, though no serious injuries were reported.  Experts say the deep low-pressure system dominating the country is intensifying, with moist winds from surrounding sea areas feeding repeated rainfall over central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and eastern regions. This has kept landslide risks at the highest level. Roads including Polonnaruwa–Batticaloa, Colombo–Kandy, and Kandy–Nuwara Eliya (Gerandi Ella) remain closed, while the Bentota old bridge has partially collapsed due to continuous rain. Flood alerts have also been issued after the Senanayake Samudra reservoir reached full capacity, and upcountry train services continue with restrictions.   

In response, the government has postponed A/L examinations and Parliament convened an emergency session to coordinate national relief efforts. Tri-forces and disaster relief teams have been deployed, and evacuation centres opened in high-risk areas. Meteorologists warn that heavy rainfall above 200 mm is expected to continue in several districts, increasing the risk of further floods and landslides. The public has been advised to avoid traveling in vulnerable areas, stay alert to official warnings, and keep essential supplies ready.   

Nearly 5,000 people have been displaced in the Kurunegala District due to adverse weather, District Secretary Chandana Dissanayaka said.   

Meanwhile, an Emergency Disaster Situation has been declared for the Kandy District due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Kandy District Secretary said yesterday.

According to officials, continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days has increased the risk of floods, landslides and earth slips across multiple vulnerable areas in the district.   

Additional reporting - Nishantha Kumara, Prasad Rukmal, Rajith Rajapakse, Sudath M. Hewa, Sumanasiri Gunatilleka, Sanjeewani Ariyarathne and Jayaratne Mallawarachchi.