No cyclone threat, says Met Department

Shirley WIJESINGHE

Sri Lanka does not need to fear a cyclone although the country is experiencing plenty of rain, Meteorology Department Director General P.H.P. Dharmaratne said. Showers are common during this period because of the inter-monsoon, he said.

“A cyclonic condition in the country is influenced by the depression in the Bay of Bengal. There are no such observations so far,” Dharmaratne told a media briefing yesterday.

The wet weather will change with the beginning of the North East monsoon in two weeks, Dharmaratne said. He said if there is a cyclone threat the Meteorology Department will take steps to make the public aware about it.

Meteorology Department Director P.B. Samarasinghe said cyclones are common in November and December.

Meanwhile, two well equipped observation centres will be constructed in Polonnaruwa and Moneragala shortly in addition to the existing 20 centres.

Meteorology Department Deputy Director S.H. Kariyawasam also spoke.