Meteorology Department urges caution as floodwaters continue to move downstream

Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake, has issued a warning urging the public to remain vigilant as water from areas around hydroelectric power plants in the central highlands continues to flow downstream, despite the heavy rainfall subsiding.

He said that the ground across the country remains saturated, increasing the risk of localized flooding, and advised people to exercise caution when returning to their homes.

Warnings remain in effect along the coastline from Trincomalee to Kankasanturai and Puttalam. The public, especially those involved in fishing and maritime activities, are advised to avoid such operations today.

While the direct impact of Cyclone Ditwah has passed, residual effects persist, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h and sea waves rising to 2–3 metres.