With cyclone soaked soil, damaged reservoirs, and fresh monsoon forecasts, Sri Lanka’s disaster agencies warn that even light rain could now trigger floods and deadly landslides.
The Meteorological Department has announced that based on Northeast Monsoon rainfall data from the past 30 years, the Northern Province is expected to receive above average rainfall, while the North Central, Eastern, Central, and Uva provinces are likely to receive near average rainfall. Meanwhile, the Western and Southern provinces are expected to experience below average rainfall. Authorities also warned of possible low pressure systems, wave type disturbances, depressions, or cyclones, particularly during December and January.
Director General of the Disaster Management Center, Retired Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda, made these remarks at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department on December 12. He stated that the Disaster Management Center has already convened a national monsoon preparedness committee in coordination with all technical institutions. All relevant stakeholders have been informed of their responsibilities, preparedness measures, and response roles based on forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology. He confirmed that tri forces and police rescue teams have been placed on standby with necessary equipment for immediate emergency response.
He further emphasized that soil layers across many parts of the country have become heavily saturated following intense rainfall caused by Cyclone Ditva. As a result, floods and landslides may occur even during relatively light rainfall. The public was urged to remain vigilant and strictly follow instructions issued by disaster management and technical agencies.
Providing an update on infrastructure damage, Director of the Irrigation Department L. S. Suriyabandara stated that around 80 medium and small scale reservoirs have sustained varying degrees of damage. In addition, approximately 225 canals have been damaged, while 7 to 8 dams have also been affected. He noted that urgent repairs are underway, including restoration work at the Mavil Aru reservoir.
He added that the Irrigation Department is actively managing water levels in anticipation of continued Northeast Monsoon rainfall. Currently, 34 reservoirs are being discharged, while spill gates at Yan Oya, Deduru Oya, and Senanayake Samudraya have been opened to reduce water pressure. Although river water levels have risen, officials stated they are being controlled to avoid flooding. He stressed that careful water management is essential to protect national food security.
Senior Geologist Wasanna Senadheera of the National Building Research Organization stated that 14 districts have been identified as landslide prone, covering nearly 30 percent of Sri Lanka’s land area and affecting about 34 percent of the population. He revealed that 15,000 families currently live in high risk landslide zones, a figure that increases when unauthorized construction is considered. He urged residents in high risk areas to strictly follow landslide warnings issued by the NBRO.
