The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued and continuously updated landslide early warnings across several districts in Sri Lanka, responding to persistent heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. These warnings, which began in mid-May, have seen varying levels of alerts and geographical coverage.
Initially, on May 14th, warnings were in effect from 9:00 AM until 9:00 AM the following day, covering eleven districts. Level 2 (Amber) warnings, indicating an alert status and urging preparedness for evacuation, were issued for Neluwa (Galle); Agalawatta, Baduraliya, Matugama, Horana, Walallawita (Kalutara); and Pelmadulla, Ratnapura (Ratnapura). These built upon previous alerts for Passara (Badulla) and multiple Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) in Kandy. Level 1 (Yellow) warnings, advising vigilance, were issued for numerous DSDs across Badulla, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Monaragala, and Ratnapura districts. The Disaster Management Centre also advised vigilance for low-lying areas along the Kiri Oya and Menik Ganga, with the Kiri Oya reaching major flood levels at the Thanamalwila gauge.
Throughout May 14th and 15th, the warnings were updated and extended. By May 14th, 4:00 PM, Level 2 warnings were expanded to include Alawwa (Kurunegala), and Level 1 warnings to Seethawaka (Colombo) and Alapitiya (Galle). On May 15th, Level 2 warnings were further extended to Seethawaka (Colombo) and several areas within Kandy District, bringing the total to six districts and 26 Divisional Secretariats under Level 2. The validity period was also extended, first until 4:00 PM on May 16th, then until 4:00 PM on May 17th. During this period, Level 2 warnings were added for Palindanuwara (Kalutara), Yatinuwara, Doluwa, Udapola, Panvila, Akurana (Kandy), Narammala (Kurunegala), and Kalawana (Ratnapura).
A significant escalation occurred on May 22nd, with new warnings valid from 6:00 AM until 6:00 AM the next day. Level 3 (Red) warnings, advising immediate evacuation, were issued for Dehiowita (Kegalle) and Ratnapura (Ratnapura). Level 2 (Amber) warnings were in effect for Seethawaka and Padukka (Colombo); Attanagalla (Gampaha); Ingiriya and Bulathsinhala (Kalutara); and Kuruwita and Ratnapura (Ratnapura). Level 1 warnings were issued for Bulathsinhala (Kalutara) and Eheliyagoda (Ratnapura). These warnings covered six districts: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura.
Later on May 22nd, Level 3 warnings were extended to include Deraniyagala, Ruwanwella (Kegalle), and Ayagama, Eheliyagoda (Ratnapura), valid until 9:00 AM on May 23rd. The Level 2 warnings remained for Seethawaka, Padukka (Colombo); Attanagalla (Gampaha); and Ingiriya, Bulathsinhala (Kalutara).
On May 23rd, Level 3 warnings for Deraniyagala, Ruwanwella, Dehiowita (Kegalle), and Ratnapura, Ayagama, Kuruwita, Eheliyagoda (Ratnapura) remained in effect. Level 2 warnings were expanded to include Bulathsinhala, Horana, Ingiriya, Palindanuwara (Kalutara); Yatiyantota (Kegalle); and Pelmadulla, Kirialla, Alapatha, Kalawana, Nivithigala (Ratnapura). By the afternoon of May 23rd, some Ratnapura DSDs were removed from the Level 2 list, with Pelmadulla remaining.
The latest updates indicate that as of May 24th, new warnings were issued, valid from 5:00 AM until 5:00 AM on May 25th. Level 2 (Amber) warnings were issued for Dehiowita, Deraniyagala, Ruwanwella, Yatiyantota (Kegalle District) and Kuruwita, Ratnapura, Ayagama, Eheliyagoda (Ratnapura District). These areas had previously seen Level 3 warnings. Additionally, Level 2 warnings were in effect for Seethawaka, Padukka (Colombo); Attanagalla (Gampaha); and Ingiriya, Bulathsinhala (Kalutara).
Further, as of May 24th, 5:00 PM, valid until 5:00 PM on May 25th, Level 2 warnings continued for the aforementioned areas in Kegalle and Ratnapura. Level 1 (Yellow) warnings were issued for Seethawaka, Padukka (Colombo); Attanagalla (Gampaha); and Palindanuwara, Matugama (Kalutara).
The most recent update, valid from May 25th, 4:00 PM until May 26th, 4:00 PM, maintains Level 2 (Amber) warnings for Dehiowita, Deraniyagala, Ruwanwella, Yatiyantota (Kegalle District) and Kuruwita, Ratnapura, Ayagama, Eheliyagoda (Ratnapura District). Level 1 (Yellow) warnings are in effect for Seethawaka, Padukka (Colombo); Attanagalla (Gampaha); and Palindanuwara, Matugama, Ingiriya, Bulathsinhala (Kalutara).
Residents in all affected regions are strongly urged to remain vigilant, monitor the situation closely, and adhere to safety instructions from local authorities. The NBRO emphasizes the risks to mountainous areas, cut slopes, and roads.