Two killed as heavy rains batter Sri Lanka; thousands affected

Two people have died in Sri Lanka due to adverse weather conditions brought on by persistent rain, the island nation’s disaster management centre said on Friday (May 15, 2026). The fatalities were reported in the eastern district of Batticaloa and the northern district of Jaffna.

The toll comes after five days of rain affecting eight of the country’s 25 districts till 6 a.m. on Friday (May 15, 2026), according to the latest situation report issued by the centre.

“More than 4,000 people have been affected, with more than 100 people from 29 families being placed in two temporary relief centres. Around 88 houses have been partially damaged,” the report said.

The weather bureau has forecast further heavy rain, with up to 150 mm of rain expected to lash several provinces.

“The low-pressure area located northeast of Sri Lanka still persists. This system is expected to move away from Sri Lanka during the next 36 hours,” an early morning forecast said. The National Building Research Organisation has also issued landslide warnings for several districts.