Schools Closed, Roads Cut Off, Reservoir Gates Opened as Flood Risk Rises
Sri Lanka is facing one of its most disruptive bouts of extreme weather in recent months, with torrential rains, landslides, overflowing rivers, and widespread travel disruptions hitting multiple districts. Officials warn that the crisis—driven by the intensifying impacts of climate change—is likely to worsen before conditions stabilise.
Schools Closed in the East as Storm Threat Intensifies
Taking into account the severe weather and the ongoing threat of cyclonic winds, the Governor of the Eastern Province ordered all Muslim schools in the province to remain closed from tomorrow (27) until further notice. Authorities stressed that the decision will not affect the ongoing GCE Advanced Level examinations, which will continue at designated centres without interruption.
Major Roads Shut Down: Colombo–Kandy Road Closed Again
Heavy rains sweeping through the central highlands have forced the closure of several major roads.
The Disaster Management Centre announced that the Colombo–Kandy main road will remain closed from 10:00 p.m. today until further notice due to the heightened landslide risk in Pahala Kadugannawa, where a deadly landslide recently claimed six lives.
The Gampola–Nuwara Eliya road has also been temporarily closed near Kotmale and Geradi Ella after large boulders in nearby tea estates were found to be unstable. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.
Reservoir Gates Open as Rivers Rise
Hydrological data shows rapidly worsening conditions in the river basins.
The Irrigation Department confirmed that six spill gates of the Deduru Oya reservoir are now open, releasing 18,600 cubic feet of water per second. This has placed several low-lying areas in the Wariyapola and Nikaweratiya Divisional Secretariat divisions at risk of minor flooding. A 48-hour flood alert remains in effect.
Officials also warned that the Kalawewa spill gates may need to be opened by up to 10 feet after 10:00 p.m., urging residents along the Aukana–Wijithapura corridor and communities living near the Kala Oya to remain on high alert.
Mahaweli River Overflows: Access to Somawathiya Shrine Cut Off
In Polonnaruwa, the overflow of the Mahaweli River has forced the complete closure of the Somawathiya–Sungawila main road. The Dimbulagala area is now submerged under nearly two feet of water, prompting authorities to request worshippers to postpone visits to the Somawathiya sacred site until waters recede.
Water levels in Heda Oya and Kumbukkan Oya in Monaragala and Ampara Districts are also rising rapidly, placing Siyambalanduwa, Lahugala, Buttala, and Okkampitiya on alert for sudden flooding.
Railway Services Curtailed in the Hill Country
Due to hazardous conditions along the Upcountry line, the Railway Department has limited services between Colombo Fort and Nanu Oya, and Nanu Oya to Colombo Fort. Several iconic trains—including the Podi Menike, Udarata Menike, and Kandy Odyssey—will operate only up to Nanu Oya until weather conditions improve.
A Stark Reminder of Sri Lanka’s Climate Vulnerability
Sri Lanka has long been ranked among the top countries most vulnerable to climate change, with extreme rainfall, landslides, rapid-onset floods, and cyclones becoming increasingly frequent. The current crisis highlights the strain on infrastructure, the fragility of hillside settlements, and the rising cost of climate disasters on communities already facing economic pressures.
Meteorologists warn that the unstable weather conditions may persist for several more days, urging the public to remain vigilant and follow updates from official channels.
