With the arrival of the Southwest monsoon, severe weather has impacted 21 districts across Sri Lanka, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds. As of yesterday evening (May 30), a total of 2,249 families across 219 Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been affected. The Disaster Management Center (DMC) confirmed that three fatalities have been reported due to the adverse weather conditions.
In response, the Government has announced compensation for those who have lost their lives or sustained injuries as a result of the extreme weather. According to the DMC, one death has been confirmed in the Puttalam District, while more than 800 houses—many in Colombo and surrounding areas—have sustained partial damage. Eight people have been injured in various incidents, with two injuries reported in the Colombo District alone, where 1,321 individuals from 245 families have been impacted. The most significant effects have been recorded in the Colombo and Homagama areas, according to the District Disaster Management Unit.
The Meteorological Department issued its weather forecast for today (May 31), warning of showers or thundershowers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara Districts. Rainfall exceeding 100 mm is expected in parts of the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Galle, and Matara.
Meanwhile, intermittent showers are likely in the North-Central Province, Mannar, and Hambantota Districts. Strong winds ranging from 50 to 60 kmph are forecast for the western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-Central, and North-Western provinces, as well as in Hambantota and Trincomalee. Elsewhere in the country, winds of 30 to 40 kmph can also be expected.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and take preventive measures against potential damage from strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
