We warned all relevant govt. institutions of Cyclone Ditwah in time: Association of Meteorologists

By Yohan Perera  

Sri Lanka Association of Meteorologists (SLAM) yesterday revealed that they have done their job pertaining to Cyclone Ditwah and warned the relevant institutions on the development of the disaster situation.   

A statement from SLAM said officers attached to Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Irrigation Department, National Building Research Bureau, Water Resources and Management Board, Fisheries Department, Examination Department, Health Ministry and Sri Lanka Port Authority were warned of the cyclone.   

SLAM said a programme to create awareness was held for the representatives of the said institutions from November 23, 2025 to November 27, 2025.   

The statement said senior officials of the Meteorological Department including climatologist Malith Fernando, Director Meryl Mendis, Director General A K. Karunanayake, climatologist Nimal Bandara played a role in updating information on the cyclone and to inform the people.  

“It was observed that fake information on the disaster situation was circulated during the past few days. This fake information has had an adverse effect on the Department ofMetrology which the people have seemed to have lost their faith in,” he said. The association also said accurate forecasting has become a challenge because of quick atmospheric changes due to the complex geological system in the Central hills. However, the association further revealed that the Department of Meteorology communicated with neighbouring countries on the disaster situation right from the beginning.