Many schools are likely to close due to heavy rain

Due to the indirect impact of the 'ARNAB' cyclone that has developed in the Bay of Bengal sea area, and in light of the severe rainy and adverse weather conditions prevailing across the island, the Ministry of Education has taken steps to grant full authority to provincial education authorities to make decisions regarding the operation of schools.

Accordingly, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, states that Provincial Education Secretaries and Provincial Education Directors can decide on temporarily closing schools or continuing them as usual, after assessing factors such as the disaster situation, flood risk, and road obstructions in the respective areas. He also emphasized that the Ministry is paying special attention to the potential impacts of adverse weather on the school system.

However, the Ministry informs parents and students that this decision does not mean all schools on the island have been closed, and therefore, they should act only according to official announcements issued by their respective schools or relevant education authorities.

The main reason for this severe weather change is the deep depression that prevailed in the East Central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal sea area, which has developed into the 'ARNAB' cyclone. The Department of Meteorology warns that this system, expected to move west-northwestwards, is likely to further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the West Central Bay of Bengal by around 11:30 PM tonight.

Due to the indirect impact of the cyclone, many areas across the island have received heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours. The highest value of 195.7 mm was recorded from Karandipowala in the Puttalam District. Additionally, 193.0 mm was recorded from Kuliyapitiya and 187.5 mm from Illuppaikadavai. The Department has announced that heavy rains are expected in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, Central, and Southern provinces, as well as the Anuradhapura District, going forward.

Meanwhile, the Red Warning issued at 9:30 AM today regarding strong winds and rough seas in sea areas will be valid for the next 12 hours. In the relevant sea areas, wind speeds may occasionally increase to between 80 and 100 kilometers per hour, and sea waves are expected to rise to heights of 3 to 4 meters.

Authorities have advised avoiding fishing and naval activities in the sea areas between 10 and 20 degrees North latitude and 80 and 95 degrees East longitude until further notice, as sea areas can become very rough with heavy thundershowers. The Department of Meteorology further emphasizes that those already engaged in activities in these sea areas should immediately sail to safe areas and pay close attention to future weather announcements.