Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka remains under severe weather conditions as heavy rainfall, rising floodwaters and continuous landslides disrupt daily life across multiple districts.

The persistent low-pressure system remains anchored over the island, pulling in moisture-heavy winds and generating repeated waves of intense rainfall. Soil across the highlands is fully saturated, making slopes unstable, while major reservoirs are nearing or exceeding capacity.

Train services suspended after 6 a.m today

The Railway Department has announced that train services on all routes will be suspended after 6 a.m. today (28) due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions experienced across the country.

According to Additional General Manager (Operations) Chandrasena Bandara, the decision has been taken to ensure the safety of passengers, as continuous heavy rainfall has increased the risk of landslides, flooding, and falling trees along several railway lines.

Irrigation Department warns of critical flood situations in several river basins

The Irrigation Department has issued an urgent warning stating that critical flood situations have already developed in the low-lying areas of several major river basins due to continuous heavy rainfall over their catchment areas.

According to water-level readings from gauging stations maintained by the department, water levels in the affected rivers are rising rapidly and are expected to increase further in the coming hours.

The rivers currently posing severe flood risks are:

1. Mahaweli River

2. Deduru Oya

3. Maha Oya

4. Kala Oya

5. Menik Ganga

6. Malwathu Oya

Residents living in low-lying areas along both banks of these rivers are strongly advised to evacuate to safer locations immediately. The public in nearby areas is urged to remain highly vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Relevant disaster management authorities have been requested to take urgent action to manage the situation and support affected communities.