Rains continues to lash Sri Lanka as the south-west monsoon gradually established over the island, prompting warnings of intensified rainfall, strong winds, flooding and landslides across several regions. Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology said very heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm is likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, while several districts in the south and central hills could receive over 100 mm of rain. Wind speeds of up to 45 kmph are also expected in parts of the country.

Heavy overnight rainfall around Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport forced the diversion of nine international flights to alternative airports in southern Sri Lanka and southern India, including Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. The National Building Research Organisation has issued landslide warnings for six districts, including red alerts in parts of Kegalle and Ratnapura districts. Authorities also warned of possible minor flooding along the Kelani River Basin, affecting low-lying suburbs around Colombo. Meteorologists said some areas in Western Sri Lanka recorded more than 300 mm of rain within 24 hours, with further showers expected in the coming days.