Sri Lanka is preparing to face a strong El Niño condition

The Department of Meteorology announces that Sri Lanka is currently experiencing the effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Mr. Ajith Wijemann, Additional Director General of the department, points out that there is a 63% high probability that this situation could develop into a strong El Niño condition.

On the other hand, there is only a low probability of 33% for it to remain at a weak level, therefore, the island is expected to receive below-average rainfall in the coming months. In addition, the country will also have to face extreme weather changes such as droughts and floods.

With this situation impacting regional weather patterns, rainfall is predicted to drop to a very limited level in the upcoming August. However, based on the intensity of the existing weather systems, there is a possibility of increased rainfall in October and November, which creates a high risk of flood situations in some parts of the island. Furthermore, weather patterns are expected to change once again in the first half of next year, potentially leading to a drought that will severely disrupt agricultural activities and water supply.

A special meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss this weather challenge and its potential impacts. Extensive attention was paid to this during the inaugural session of the special Cabinet Sub-Committee and the Officials' Committee, which convened under the chairmanship of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Dhammika Patabendi. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed these committees to strengthen communication and coordination among state institutions, as well as to formulate short, medium, and long-term strategic plans regarding food security, energy conservation, and water resource management. Ministers K.D. Lalkantha, Samantha Vidyaratne, Anura Karunathilaka, Wasantha Samarasinghe, and Susil Ranasinghe represent this Cabinet Sub-Committee.

As a precautionary measure for any potential risk, all relevant ministries and government departments have been ordered to submit their action plans within a two-week period. Furthermore, to prevent unnecessary panic or contradictory statements from spreading among the public, the authorities in the country have decided to vest the power to release all official information regarding the El Niño situation solely with the Department of Meteorology.