Sri Lanka experiencing inter-monsoon rains

By Yohan Perera  

Additional reporting by Palitha Ariyawansa and Prasad Rukmal  

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing inter-monsoon rains,  which typically bring evening showers, according to an official from the  Department of Meteorology.  

Deputy Director of the Department, Merril Mendis, told the  Daily Mirror that the country is presently in the transitional period  between the Southwest and Northeast monsoons.  

“You can expect evening thundershowers during this time,” he explained.  

The Southwest Monsoon generally occurs from May to September, while the Northeast Monsoon sets in between December and February.  

Adverse weather conditions have disrupted public life in  several areas. Roads have been blocked and houses damaged due to earth  slips and high winds.  

One lane of the Badulla-Passara Road was obstructed by an  earth slip, while strong winds damaged a house in Abagamuwa, Nuwara  Eliya District. In Koralepaththu, Batticaloa District, at least 16  houses were reported damaged due to high winds.  

In Hambegamuwa, Monaragala District, two youths were  hospitalised after being struck by lightning while bathing. Police  reported that the two are in stable condition but suffered psychological  shock.  

Over the weekend, approximately 30,000 power outages were recorded nationwide due to the adverse weather.  

Monaragala District recorded the highest rainfall, with  88.9 mm. Kotmale received 27 mm of rain, while most other hydro  catchment areas recorded less than 10 mm.