• Heavy rains expected, NBRO and DMC teams ready to take action

The Ministry of Defence stated that heavy rains are expected after today (29), and claimed that Government agencies, including the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), are prepared to take necessary actions to ensure public safety.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara told The Daily Morning that according to the Department of Meteorology, a weather disturbance near the Andaman Islands is forecast to bring 50 mm to 75 mm of rainfall to the North, North Central, Uva, and East Provinces. “This hasn’t caused any danger for those under evaluation so far, but if an emergency situation erupts, we will act immediately,” he said. 

He added the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has informed relevant authorities and advised them to remain alert for sudden emergencies.

He further explained the process of certifying land ownership and conducting transactions for affected residents in danger-prone areas is ongoing, with 50 teams working on evaluations, particularly in the Central Highlands. Once this procedure is completed, he said that residents will be evacuated to safe locations.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Disaster Management Centre Director – Awareness, Pradeep Kodippili, confirmed the DMC is ready to respond based on the meteorological forecast.

The public has raised concerns about Government preparedness, particularly following criticisms after Cyclone Ditwah last month (November). Several groups including the Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya accused the Government of failing to act on early warnings issued by the Meteorology and Irrigation Departments. 

Attempts to contact the NBRO were unsuccessful.