The department stated that the water level of the Kelani River is continuing to increase at Hanwella, while the minor flood risk previously reported in the Glencourse area is gradually subsiding.
Similarly, the Kalu River is experiencing rising water levels at Kalawellawa, although the minor flood threat around Ratnapura has eased. Meanwhile, water levels in the Mahaweli River near Peradeniya, which had earlier reached a cautionary level, are also receding.
Nearly 3,000 People Affected
The ongoing adverse weather has affected 2,971 people from 769 families across the country.
To support rescue operations, the Sri Lanka Navy has deployed 11 rescue teams equipped with boats. Navy Media Spokesperson Commander Chaminda Walakuluge said an additional 171 teams are on standby and can be deployed if required.
Fishing Ban Continues
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has extended the fishing ban due to strong winds and rough sea conditions along the coastal belt from Puttalam to Pottuvil.
Director General Susantha Kahawatta urged operators of small and one-day fishing vessels to refrain from venturing into the sea off Puttalam, Chilaw, Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, and Pottuvil until conditions improve.
Landslide Red Alerts Remain in Force
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has maintained landslide Red Alerts for several Divisional Secretariat divisions in the Kandy, Kegalle, and Nuwara Eliya districts.
The highest warning level remains in effect for:
Udadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, and Pasbage Korale in Kandy District.
Yatiyantota in Kegalle District.
Ambagamuwa and Norwood in Nuwara Eliya District.
Residents in several other areas have been advised to remain vigilant due to continued landslide risks. These include Doluwa, Udapalatha, Delthota, Medadumbara, and Panwila in Kandy; Deraniyagala, Bulathkohupitiya, Aranayake, and Dehiowita in Kegalle; Kotmale East, Kotmale West, and Nuwara Eliya in Nuwara Eliya District; and Opanayake, Ratnapura, and Imbulpe in Ratnapura District.
More Heavy Rain Forecast
The Department of Meteorology said the active southwest monsoon is expected to bring further rainfall to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North Western Provinces, as well as the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts.
Director of Forecasting, Meteorologist Meryl Mendis, said some areas in Sabaragamuwa, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya could receive more than 75 millimetres of rainfall. He also warned that rainfall is expected to intensify further in the coming days.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain alert, follow official weather advisories, and avoid flood-prone and landslide-risk areas until conditions improve.
