Colombo, May 30 — With the southwest monsoon now fully active, 21 districts across Sri Lanka have been affected by heavy rains, cyclonic winds, and other disaster-related incidents, according to K.G. Dharmathilaka, Additional Secretary of the Disaster Management Division under the Ministry of Defence.
Addressing a media briefing at the Disaster Management Center (DMC), Dharmathilaka reported that 2,249 families across 219 Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been impacted islandwide. These weather conditions have already claimed three lives and left 24 others injured, now under treatment in hospitals.
Deaths and Compensation
Mr. Dharmathilaka confirmed that compensation of Rs. 1 million will be provided to each of the families of those who lost their lives. Furthermore, those who suffered injuries will also be compensated, especially if the injuries lead to long-term disabilities.
Property and Infrastructure Damage
Seven homes have been completely destroyed, for which Rs. 2.5 million per household has been allocated. Additionally, 2,053 homes have been partially damaged. The government is working to assess the level of destruction and compensate accordingly.
Other reported damage includes:
- 8 small businesses
- 31 public infrastructure facilities
He also revealed that Rs. 1 billion was allocated earlier this year for disaster relief, and relevant officials have been directed to disburse funds immediately upon assessment.
Colombo Severely Affected
Heavy rain and wind battered Colombo city and surrounding suburbs this afternoon, resulting in fallen trees and damaged vehicles in multiple locations such as Wijerama Mawatha, Horton Place, Maitland Place, Colombo 02, and Nine Mawatha.
Due to treefalls and flooding, traffic disruptions were reported across the capital.
The Colombo District Secretariat stated that 1,321 people from 245 families were affected. A total of 13 Divisional Secretariat Divisions, including Moratuwa, Padukka, Kesbewa, Kaduwela, Homagama, Colombo, Seethawaka, Ratmalana, Thimbirigasyaya, and Maharagama, were impacted.
Reported damages include:
- 3 houses completely destroyed
- 239 houses partially damaged
- 5 injuries confirmed and admitted to Colombo National Hospital
Rescue Operations
In a swift emergency response, a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 412 helicopter rescued three fishermen stranded at sea off the Balapitiya coast. The fishing vessel suffered engine failure and could not return to shore. The Defence Secretary ordered the rescue operation, which was successfully executed this afternoon.
Nationwide Weather Update
According to the Disaster Management Center, a total of 1,757 individuals from 485 families have been affected islandwide due to monsoon-related disasters. The DMC said 9 districts have reported significant damage, with 3 houses completely and 365 houses partially damaged.
The Department of Meteorology has issued warnings of:
- Occasional showers and thunderstorms across Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North-Western provinces, as well as Galle and Matara
- Heavy rain exceeding 100mm in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Galle, and Matara
- Strong winds of 50-60 kmph in parts of Central Highlands, Northern, North Central, North Western, Hambantota, and Trincomalee
- Winds between 30-40 kmph expected in other areas of the country
Government Response
The government is continuing its disaster management operations, providing support and compensation to affected families. Relief supplies, damage assessment teams, and emergency services are being coordinated across the 21 districts impacted by the cyclonic monsoon weather.
