Leaving
Level 1 · WatchTue 10 Nov
Watch on 93 km between Bandarawela and Imaduwa
Around Ella and Wellawaya, km 2–71, km 227–238, km 244–261.
It starts where you set off; you are through it by Tue 16:55.
NBRI’s bulletin is valid until Tue 20:00, so it covers that time.
NBRI’s advice, as issued
Since the rainfall within the past 24 hours has exceeded 75mm, if the rain continues, be watchful on the possibility of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures and ground subsidence.
NBRI, issued Mon 9 Nov, 20:00 · valid to Tue 10 Nov, 20:00lankawatch.org
Your road · 321 km~5 h 20 min
NBRI WatchNot listedOutside NBRI areaRiver crossingRain gaugeNo report
- Bandarawela
Not listedkm 0–3 - Ella to Wellawaya
Watchkm 3–71 - Not listedkm 71–75
- Outside NBRI’s landslide area: the bulletin says nothing herekm 75–115
- Not listedkm 115–117
- Outside NBRI’s landslide area: the bulletin says nothing herekm 117–155
- Thihagoda to Imaduwa
Not listedkm 155–228 - Watchkm 228–238
- Not listedkm 238–244
- Watchkm 244–260
- Malabe to Colombo
Not listedkm 260–321
LandslideWatch3 stretches · NBRI’s adviceRainModerate rain, up to 13.3 mm in 24 hLast 3 days, satellite: About 1–2 days a month are this wet hereWeatherAmber · Thunderstorms Amber Warning (Be Prepared)Colombo 31° / 24°Rivers37 crossingsBaddegama: Minor flood level · steady · Walawe Ganga basin rain: Rare here (1–2 days a month) · rain upstream of Kalu Ganga: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
Level 1 · WatchTue 10 Nov
Watch on 99 km between Bandarawela and Pasyala
Around Kothmale and Pussellawa, km 2–3, km 59–136, km 139–149 and 2 more.
It starts where you set off; you are through it by Tue 17:40.
NBRI’s bulletin is valid until Tue 20:00, so it covers that time.
NBRI’s advice, as issued
Since the rainfall within the past 24 hours has exceeded 75mm, if the rain continues, be watchful on the possibility of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures and ground subsidence.
NBRI, issued Mon 9 Nov, 20:00 · valid to Tue 10 Nov, 20:00lankawatch.org
Your road · 222 km~6 h 10 min
NBRI WatchNot listedRiver crossingRain gaugeNo report
- Bandarawela to Welimada
Not listedkm 0–60 - Kothmale to Gampola
Watchkm 60–135 - near Kegalle
Not listedkm 135–140 - Kegalle
Watchkm 140–149 - between Kegalle and Warakapola
Not listedkm 149–154 - Warakapola
Watchkm 154–167 - Pasyala to Colombo
Not listedkm 167–223
LandslideWatch5 stretches · NBRI’s adviceRainModerate rain, up to 37.4 mm in 24 hLast 3 days, satellite: About 1–2 days a month are this wet hereWeatherAmber · Thunderstorms Amber Warning (Be Prepared)Nuwara Eliya 22° / 13° · Colombo 31° / 24°Rivers15 crossingsDunamale: Minor flood level · steady · Kelani Ganga basin rain: Rare here (1–2 days a month) · rain upstream of Kelani Ganga: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
Level 1 · WatchTue 10 Nov
Watch on 100 km between Ratnapura and Ingiriya
Around Ratnapura and Kiriella, km 71–172.
You reach it about Tue 14:50, 2 h 20 min after leaving, and are through it by Tue 18:05.
NBRI’s bulletin is valid until Tue 20:00, so it covers that time.
NBRI’s advice, as issued
Since the rainfall within the past 24 hours has exceeded 75mm, if the rain continues, be watchful on the possibility of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures and ground subsidence.
NBRI, issued Mon 9 Nov, 20:00 · valid to Tue 10 Nov, 20:00lankawatch.org
Your road · 218 km~6 h 40 min
NBRI WatchNot listedRiver crossingRain gaugeNo report
- Bandarawela to Haldummulla
Not listedkm 0–72 - Ratnapura to Ingiriya
Watchkm 72–172 - Kesbewa to Colombo
Not listedkm 172–218
LandslideWatch1 stretch · NBRI’s adviceRainFairly heavy rain, up to 93.5 mm in 24 hLast 3 days, satellite: Only a few days a year are this wet here · Last this wet in Kiriella: November 2025WeatherAmber · Thunderstorms Amber Warning (Be Prepared)Ratnapura 33° / 23° · Colombo 31° / 24°Rivers25 crossingsRathnapura: Below Alert · falling · Walawe Ganga basin rain: Rare here (1–2 days a month) · rain upstream of Walayal Dola: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
Next update usually today by 17:45.
Before you go
We don’t know about road closures or damage. Be cautious on the way, especially in the hills in rain.
About the Bandarawela–Colombo road
The fastest road we know from Bandarawela to Colombo is 321 km, about 5 h 20 min, via Wellawaya, Imaduwa.
Main roads on it: Southern Expressway (201 km), Hambantota-Wellawaya Road (45 km), Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Road (30 km).
We show 3 roads between them, fastest first.
DS divisions on this road
It passes through 39 DS divisions in 8 districts, in travel order:
- Bandarawela
- Ella
- Wellawaya
- Thanamalvila
- Lunugamvehera
- Hambantota
- Sooriyawewa
- Embilipitiya
- Ambalantota
- Angunakolapelessa
- Tangalle
- Weeraketiya
- Beliatta
- Kirinda Puhulwella
- Devinuwara
- Thihagoda
- Malimbada
- Welipitiya
- Imaduwa
- Akmeemana
- Bope-Poddala
- Baddegama
- Welivitiya-Divithura
- Karandeniya
- Elpitiya
- Benthota
- Walallavita
- Mathugama
- Dodangoda
- Kalutara
- Millaniya
- Bandaragama
- Horana
- Homagama
- Maharagama
- Kaduwela
- Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte
- Thimbirigasyaya
- Colombo
Past NBRI bulletins
Most often listed on this road, in the 41 NBRI bulletins we have passed on since Sun 20 Sept: Walallavita (19), Elpitiya (11), Karandeniya (11).
A record of past bulletins, not a forecast. Not being listed doesn’t mean safe.
Steep terrain
About 12 km of it runs through steep terrain (slopes over 30° beside the road). The longest stretch is near Ella.
Terrain beside the road, from a satellite elevation model: not the road’s gradient and not a landslide hazard rating.
How to read this
- Not an official service. NBRI’s warnings are passed on as issued.
- Rain levels compare each division with its own satellite record since 2000. Satellites can miss heavy local downpours.
- Gauge sources: Department of Meteorology and Irrigation Department gauge readings, passed on as published. Met gauge sites are approximate. Compared with each division's own satellite record since 2000. This is not a warning and does not replace NBRI's levels. Satellites can miss heavy local downpours, so it never means a road is safe. Satellite data up to 10 Nov, 07:30. Checked Tue 10 Nov, 13:00.
Was this page useful?Thanks, noted.
Landslide (NBRI)
×| Warned DS division | Level | From km |
|---|---|---|
| Ella | Watch | 2 |
| Wellawaya | Watch | 25 |
| Karandeniya | Watch | 227 |
| Elpitiya | Watch | 231 |
| Walallavita | Watch | 245 |
| Mathugama | Watch | 251 |
Rain on route
×Moderate rain, up to 13.3 mm in 24 h
Rain gauges near your route
12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728
0321 km
Key
DryLight rainModerate rainHeavy rainVery heavy rainNo rain report
- 1 Bandarawela, 13.3 mm, moderate rain
- 6 Wellawaya, ≥ 8.5 mm, light rain or more (incomplete day)
- 9 Mattala, 0.3 mm, dry
- 10 Moraketiya, ≥ 12.1 mm, moderate rain or more (incomplete day)
- 15 Galle, 5.4 mm, light rain
- 18 Baddegama, ≥ 44.6 mm, moderate rain or more (incomplete day)
- 23 Putupaula, ≥ 1.5 mm, light rain or more (incomplete day)
- 25 Ratmalana, trace, dry
- 27 Colombo, 0.8 mm, dry
19 gauges not reporting.
Gauge coverage: most of the route.
NBRI's warning stays in force after rain eases.
Satellite estimate
- Last 3 days: among the wettest 5% of 3-day periods since 2000 in Embilipitiya, Welivitiya-Divithura, Karandeniya, Elpitiya +7.
Rain outlook (computer model) · Next day: Chance of a rare wet day
- Next day: a chance of a wet day of the kind that comes about 1–2 days a month in Bandarawela, Ella, Wellawaya, Thanamalvila +4 (the wettest 5% of days there; several times the usual chance). (10 Nov, 05:30 to 11 Nov, 05:30)
- Next 3 days: a chance of a wet day of the kind that comes about 1–2 days a month in Bandarawela, Ella, Wellawaya, Thanamalvila +7 (the wettest 5% of days there; several times the usual chance). (10 Nov, 05:30 to 13 Nov, 05:30)
- "Not signalled" never means dry or safe. This is a computer model, not a warning, and it never changes NBRI's levels. Like the satellite, it reads hill-country rain low and can miss heavy local downpours.
- ECMWF ensemble forecast (open data, CC BY 4.0), run 9 Nov, 17:30, compared with each division's own satellite record.
Weather forecast (Met Dept)
×Amber · Thunderstorms Amber Warning (Be Prepared)
- Amber · Thunderstorms Amber Warning (Be Prepared). Districts: Ampara, Badulla, Batticaloa, Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Matale, Matara, Moneragala, Mullaitivu, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, Trincomalee, Vavuniya. Warning Description: There is an increased likelihood of severe lightning associated with thundershowers at several places in the following areas during the evening or night. Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. Strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough sea conditions can be expected temporarily during thundershowers in the sea areas. Action Required: • Stop paddy and plantation work, outdoor sports and construction when storms approach. • Move into a substantial building or an enclosed hard-topped vehicle; do not shelter under trees, open huts, tents or bus halts. • Avoid open fields, hilltops, beaches, tanks, rivers and other water bodies. • Fishermen and small-boat operators should not go to sea and should return to shore early. • Avoid bathing, using wired phones and handling electrical appliances during thunder. • Avoid travelling on tree-lined roads and through flooded roads. • Follow flood warnings and landslide warnings. • Protect livestock, crops and property, and be ready to move to a safe shelter if advised. Damage Expected: • Widespread thunderstorms with frequent lightning, strong gusty winds and heavy rain. • Risk of injury or death for people in open areas such as paddy fields, plantations, playgrounds, beaches, and for people on boats. • Trees uprooted and damage to roofs of non-engineered houses, including tin and thatched roofs. • Localized flash floods and slope failures in vulnerable areas. • Power and communication interruptions and damage to electrical equipment. • Damage to crops, plantations and livestock. • Dangerous conditions for small fishing boats and craft. • Disruption to road, rail and air transport. Issued 10 Nov, 12:45 · Valid until 11 Nov, 01:00.
- Forecast issued 10 Nov, 05:30
- Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern province and in Trincomalee district.
- Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere in the island after 1.00 p.m.
- Covers Ratnapura, Colombo, Kalutara, Badulla, Moneragala, Galle and Matara on this road: Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
- Covers Galle, Hambantota and Matara on this road: Showers may occur in the coastal areas of the Southern Province during the morning.
- The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
- Covers Ratnapura, Colombo, Kalutara, Badulla, Moneragala, Galle and Matara on this road: Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the early hours of the morning.
- Forecast for the main cities, Tuesday, 10 November 2026 (issued 9 Nov, 16:00)
- Colombo: Showers or thundershowers after 1.00p.m. Max 31°C, min 24°C.
- A forecast never lowers or replaces the NBRI landslide warning above.
- Forecast and advisories by the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka, as issued. LankaWatch is not an official service.
Rivers and catchments
×Crosses 33 named rivers · 18 basins · Walawe Ganga basin rain: Rare here (1–2 days a month) · rain upstream of Kalu Ganga: Rare here (1–2 days a month) · Minor flood level
Mahaweli Ganga · Kirindi Oya · Malala Oya …
BaddegamaMinor flood level · River level 4.22 mDepartment’s thresholds: Alert 3.5, minor flood 4, major flood 5 m
River basins along this road
- km 0–2 · Mahaweli Ganga basin
- km 2–11 · Mahaweli Ganga basin
- km 11–89 · Kirindi Oya basin
- km 89–101 · Malala Oya basin
- km 101–119 · Walawe Ganga basin
- km 119–128 · Kachigal Aru basin
- km 128–135 · Urubokka Ganga basin
- km 135–142 · Rekawa Oya basin
- km 142–149 · Kirama Oya basin
- km 149–155 · Seenimodara Oya basin
- km 155–177 · Nilwala Ganga basin
- km 177–194 · Polwatta Ganga basin
- km 194–197 · Koggala Lake basin
- km 197–230 · Gin Ganga basin
- km 230–233 · Madampe Lake basin
- km 233–262 · Bentota Ganga basin
- km 262–274 · Kalu Ganga basin
- km 274–301 · Bolgoda Ganga basin
- km 301–321 · Kelani Ganga basin
Satellite rain over these basins
- Walawe Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
- Gin Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
- Madampe Lake basin · Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
- Bentota Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
- Kalu Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
- Kelani Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
- Mahaweli Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
- Kachigal Aru basin · Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
- Urubokka Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
- Nilwala Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
- Bolgoda Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
A whole-basin satellite average against that basin’s own record since 2000, not the area upstream of any one point. Satellites under-read hill rain. Not a warning.
Where this road crosses a river or stream
- km 5 · Badulu Oya (Mahaweli Ganga basin) · 2 crossings · flows north
3.0 km² drain to this point - km 13–15 · Kirindi Oya · 4 crossings · flows east
18 km² drain to this point - km 31–36 · Kirindi Oya · 4 crossings · flows south-west
89 km² drain to this point
Wellawaya, an Irrigation Department gauge 15.6 km downstream (179 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)): at least 8.5 mm in the 24 hours to 10 Nov, 08:30 (1 hourly reading missing); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:03.
River level 1.61 m · Below Alert · falling over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 4.4, minor flood 5.4, major flood 5.9 m) - km 33 · Kunapad Ara (Kirindi Oya basin) · flows south
98 km² drain to this point - km 38 · Radapola Oya (Kirindi Oya basin) · flows south-east
16 km² drain to this point - km 41 · Galamola Ara (Kirindi Oya basin) · flows south-east
6.2 km² drain to this point - km 44–46 · Kirindi Oya · 3 crossings · flows south
0.1 km² drain to this point
Wellawaya, an Irrigation Department gauge 1.1 km upstream (179 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)): at least 8.5 mm in the 24 hours to 10 Nov, 08:30 (1 hourly reading missing); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:03.
River level 1.61 m · Below Alert · falling over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 4.4, minor flood 5.4, major flood 5.9 m) - km 48 · Dambakola Ara (Kirindi Oya basin) · flows south-east
3.1 km² drain to this point - km 49 · Kirindi Oya · flows south
233 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
Wellawaya, an Irrigation Department gauge 6.6 km upstream (179 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)): at least 8.5 mm in the 24 hours to 10 Nov, 08:30 (1 hourly reading missing); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:03.
River level 1.61 m · Below Alert · falling over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 4.4, minor flood 5.4, major flood 5.9 m) - km 64 · Kuda Oya (Kirindi Oya basin) · flows east
300 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
Kuda Oya, an Irrigation Department gauge 0.5 km upstream (299 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)): no complete 24-hour total (2 hourly readings missing); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:01.
River level 1.76 m · Below Alert · falling over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 6.9, minor flood 8.4, major flood 8.8 m) - km 78 · Kirindi Oya · flows south-east
2.0 km² drain to this point
Thanamalwila, an Irrigation Department gauge 9.3 km upstream (696 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 24 hours: Unusual here (3 days a month)): no complete 24-hour total (4 hourly readings missing); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:05.
River level 1.93 m · Below Alert · falling over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 4, minor flood 5, major flood 5.5 m) - km 97 · Malala Oya · flows south
256 km² drain to this point - km 103 · Maha Ara (Walawe Ganga basin) · flows south-east
0.1 km² drain to this point - km 108 · Mahakadawala Ara (Walawe Ganga basin) · flows south-west
23 km² drain to this point - km 108 · Mahaweligada Ara (Walawe Ganga basin) · flows south-west
23 km² drain to this point - km 115 · Walawe Ganga · flows south-east
2,201 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
Moraketiya, an Irrigation Department gauge 13.9 km upstream (1,541 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)): at least 12.1 mm in the 24 hours to 10 Nov, 08:30 (2 hourly readings missing); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:01.
River level 2.93 m · Below Alert · falling over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 3, minor flood 5, major flood 7 m) - km 145 · Kirama Oya · flows east
115 km² drain to this point - km 151 · Sinimodara Oya · flows east
20 km² drain to this point - km 165 · Kanduwela Ela (Nilwala Ganga basin)
35 km² drain to this point - km 169 · Nilwala Ganga · flows south
659 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
Thalgahagoda, an Irrigation Department gauge 2.6 km upstream (655 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)): no complete 24-hour total (1 hourly reading missing).
River level 1.65 m · Alert level · steady over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 1.4, minor flood 1.7, major flood 2.8 m) - km 184 · Polwatta Ganga
166 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 24 hours: Unusual here (3 days a month) - km 203 · Maha Dola (Gin Ganga basin) · flows west
19 km² drain to this point - km 212 · Keembiya Ela (Gin Ganga basin) · flows north-west
14 km² drain to this point - km 219 · Gin Ganga · flows west
681 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
Baddegama, an Irrigation Department gauge 2.6 km downstream (709 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)): at least 44.6 mm in the 24 hours to 10 Nov, 08:30 (2 hourly readings missing); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:10.
River level 4.22 m · Minor flood level · steady over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 3.5, minor flood 4, major flood 5 m) - km 241 · Uragas Ela (Bentota Ganga basin)
5.2 km² drain to this point - km 244 · Bentota_Gnga (Bentota Ganga basin)
363 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month) - km 252 · Welipenne Ganga (Bentota Ganga basin)
131 km² drain to this point - km 266 · Iriyangala Ela (Kalu Ganga basin)
9.6 km² drain to this point - km 274 · Kalu Ganga
2,762 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month) - km 275 · Keppu Ela (Bolgoda Ganga basin)
0.4 km² drain to this point - km 282 · Panape Ela (Bolgoda Ganga basin)
66 km² drain to this point - km 289 · Maha Oya (Bolgoda Ganga basin) · flows west
27 km² drain to this point - km 293 · Nudun Ela (Bolgoda Ganga basin) · flows south-west
35 km² drain to this point - km 303 · Maha Ela (Kelani Ganga basin)
3.1 km² drain to this point - km 313 · Kolonnawa Ela (Kelani Ganga basin)
43 km² drain to this point - km 313 · Diyawannawa Oya (Kelani Ganga basin)
43 km² drain to this point - km 320 · Heea Ela (Kelani Ganga basin)
1.6 km² drain to this point
And 2 more unnamed streams on our map
Where this road runs beside a river
- km 13–15 · beside the Kirindi Oya
- km 45–46 · beside the Kirindi Oya
- km 48–50 · beside the Kirindi Oya
Rivers and basins come from our own map of Sri Lanka’s river network. Flow direction, where shown, is worked out from the height of the land. This is orientation only, not a flood warning.
The area draining to a crossing is worked out from a terrain model (about 90 m cells) and is approximate. The rain over it is the satellite average for that same area, against its own record since 2000. Areas under about 150 km² are smaller than the satellite can see, so they show no rain.
River levels are the Irrigation Department’s own readings at its gauge, against its own thresholds. This is not a flood warning: flood warnings come from the Irrigation Department and DMC.
Landslide (NBRI)
×| Warned DS division | Level | From km |
|---|---|---|
| Ella | Watch | 2 |
| Kothmale East | Watch | 59 |
| Udapalatha | Watch | 88 |
| Udunuwara | Watch | 110 |
| Yatinuwara | Watch | 121 |
| Mawanella | Watch | 124 |
| Kegalle | Watch | 140 |
| Warakapola | Watch | 154 |
Rain on route
×Moderate rain, up to 37.4 mm in 24 h
Rain gauges near your route
12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728
0222 km
Key
DryLight rainModerate rainHeavy rainVery heavy rainNo rain report
- 1 Bandarawela, 13.3 mm, moderate rain
- 9 Nuwara Eliya, 30.6 mm, moderate rain
- 26 Dunamale, 37.4 mm, moderate rain
- 28 Colombo, 0.8 mm, dry
24 gauges not reporting.
Gauge coverage: most of the route.
NBRI's warning stays in force after rain eases.
Satellite estimate
- Last 3 days: among the wettest 5% of 3-day periods since 2000 in Nuwara Eliya, Kothmale East, Udapalatha, Udunuwara +6.
Rain outlook (computer model) · Next day: Chance of a rare wet day
- Next day: a chance of a wet day of the kind that comes about 1–2 days a month in Bandarawela, Ella, Haputale, Welimada +11 (the wettest 5% of days there; several times the usual chance). (10 Nov, 05:30 to 11 Nov, 05:30)
- Next 3 days: a chance of a wet day of the kind that comes about 1–2 days a month in Bandarawela, Ella, Haputale, Welimada +12 (the wettest 5% of days there; several times the usual chance). (10 Nov, 05:30 to 13 Nov, 05:30)
- "Not signalled" never means dry or safe. This is a computer model, not a warning, and it never changes NBRI's levels. Like the satellite, it reads hill-country rain low and can miss heavy local downpours.
- ECMWF ensemble forecast (open data, CC BY 4.0), run 9 Nov, 17:30, compared with each division's own satellite record.
Weather forecast (Met Dept)
×Amber · Thunderstorms Amber Warning (Be Prepared)
- Amber · Thunderstorms Amber Warning (Be Prepared). Districts: Ampara, Badulla, Batticaloa, Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Matale, Matara, Moneragala, Mullaitivu, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, Trincomalee, Vavuniya. Warning Description: There is an increased likelihood of severe lightning associated with thundershowers at several places in the following areas during the evening or night. Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. Strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough sea conditions can be expected temporarily during thundershowers in the sea areas. Action Required: • Stop paddy and plantation work, outdoor sports and construction when storms approach. • Move into a substantial building or an enclosed hard-topped vehicle; do not shelter under trees, open huts, tents or bus halts. • Avoid open fields, hilltops, beaches, tanks, rivers and other water bodies. • Fishermen and small-boat operators should not go to sea and should return to shore early. • Avoid bathing, using wired phones and handling electrical appliances during thunder. • Avoid travelling on tree-lined roads and through flooded roads. • Follow flood warnings and landslide warnings. • Protect livestock, crops and property, and be ready to move to a safe shelter if advised. Damage Expected: • Widespread thunderstorms with frequent lightning, strong gusty winds and heavy rain. • Risk of injury or death for people in open areas such as paddy fields, plantations, playgrounds, beaches, and for people on boats. • Trees uprooted and damage to roofs of non-engineered houses, including tin and thatched roofs. • Localized flash floods and slope failures in vulnerable areas. • Power and communication interruptions and damage to electrical equipment. • Damage to crops, plantations and livestock. • Dangerous conditions for small fishing boats and craft. • Disruption to road, rail and air transport. Issued 10 Nov, 12:45 · Valid until 11 Nov, 01:00.
- Forecast issued 10 Nov, 05:30
- Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern province and in Trincomalee district.
- Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere in the island after 1.00 p.m.
- Covers Kegalle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Gampaha and Badulla on this road: Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
- Showers may occur in the coastal areas of the Southern Province during the morning.
- The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
- Covers Kegalle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Gampaha and Badulla on this road: Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the early hours of the morning.
- Forecast for the main cities, Tuesday, 10 November 2026 (issued 9 Nov, 16:00)
- Nuwara Eliya: Showers or thundershowers after 1.00p.m. Max 22°C, min 13°C.
- Colombo: Showers or thundershowers after 1.00p.m. Max 31°C, min 24°C.
- A forecast never lowers or replaces the NBRI landslide warning above.
- Forecast and advisories by the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka, as issued. LankaWatch is not an official service.
Rivers and catchments
×Crosses 15 named rivers · 4 basins · Kelani Ganga basin rain: Rare here (1–2 days a month) · rain upstream of Kelani Ganga: Rare here (1–2 days a month) · Minor flood level
Mahaweli Ganga · Maha Oya · Attanagala Oya …
DunamaleMinor flood level · River level 4.6 mDepartment’s thresholds: Alert 3.3, minor flood 4.4, major flood 5.5 m
River basins along this road
- km 0–2 · Mahaweli Ganga basin
- km 2–111 · Mahaweli Ganga basin
- km 111–117 · Maha Oya basin
- km 118–122 · Mahaweli Ganga basin
- km 122–166 · Maha Oya basin
- km 166–200 · Attanagala Oya basin
- km 200–222 · Kelani Ganga basin
Satellite rain over these basins
- Kelani Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
- Mahaweli Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
- Maha Oya basin · Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
- Attanagala Oya basin · Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
A whole-basin satellite average against that basin’s own record since 2000, not the area upstream of any one point. Satellites under-read hill rain. Not a warning.
Where this road crosses a river or stream
- km 11–14 · Uma Oya (Mahaweli Ganga basin) · 4 crossings · flows north
28 km² drain to this point - km 26–27 · Dougolla Oya (Mahaweli Ganga basin) · 3 crossings · flows north
162 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month) - km 61 · Puna Oya (Mahaweli Ganga basin) · flows west
6.8 km² drain to this point - km 86 · Gamburu Oya (Mahaweli Ganga basin) · flows south-west
0.3 km² drain to this point - km 99 · Atabaga Oya (Mahaweli Ganga basin) · 2 crossings · flows south
44 km² drain to this point - km 104 · Mahaweli Ganga · flows north-east
900 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
Peradeniya, an Irrigation Department gauge 15.4 km downstream (1,143 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)): 16 mm in the 24 hours to 10 Nov, 08:30 (Moderate); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:01.
River level 3.2 m · Below Alert · falling over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 5, minor flood 7, major flood 9 m) - km 128–130 · Hingul Oya (Maha Oya basin) · 3 crossings · flows west
39 km² drain to this point - km 132 · Maha Oya · flows west
199 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month) - km 152–154 · Galigamuwa Oya (Maha Oya basin) · 2 crossings · flows west
8.5 km² drain to this point - km 156 · Rogala Oya (Maha Oya basin) · flows north-east
3.6 km² drain to this point - km 163–165 · Kuda Oya (Maha Oya basin) · 2 crossings · flows north
54 km² drain to this point - km 177 · Diyaelle Oya (Attanagala Oya basin) · flows north-west
21 km² drain to this point - km 191 · Dondugam Oya (Attanagala Oya basin) · flows west
183 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
Dunamale, an Irrigation Department gauge 6.3 km upstream (150 km² upstream): 37.4 mm in the 24 hours to 10 Nov, 08:30 (Moderate); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:03.
River level 4.6 m · Minor flood level · steady over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 3.3, minor flood 4.4, major flood 5.5 m) - km 195–197 · Uruwal Oya (Attanagala Oya basin) · 2 crossings · flows west
42 km² drain to this point - km 216 · Kelani Ganga · flows west
2,256 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
Nagalagam Street, an Irrigation Department gauge 0.6 km downstream (2,256 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)): no complete 24-hour total (1 hourly reading missing); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:01.
River level 3 ft · Below Alert · rising over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 4, minor flood 5, major flood 7 ft)
And 3 more unnamed streams on our map
Where this road runs beside a river
- km 11–12 · beside the Uma Oya
- km 127–129 · beside the Hingul Oya
Rivers and basins come from our own map of Sri Lanka’s river network. Flow direction, where shown, is worked out from the height of the land. This is orientation only, not a flood warning.
The area draining to a crossing is worked out from a terrain model (about 90 m cells) and is approximate. The rain over it is the satellite average for that same area, against its own record since 2000. Areas under about 150 km² are smaller than the satellite can see, so they show no rain.
River levels are the Irrigation Department’s own readings at its gauge, against its own thresholds. This is not a flood warning: flood warnings come from the Irrigation Department and DMC.
Landslide (NBRI)
×| Warned DS division | Level | From km |
|---|---|---|
| Balangoda | Watch | 72 |
| Ratnapura | Watch | 88 |
| Kiriella | Watch | 134 |
| Ingiriya | Watch | 160 |
Rain on route
×Fairly heavy rain, up to 93.5 mm in 24 h
Rain gauges near your route
1234567891011121314151617181920212223
0218 km
Key
DryLight rainModerate rainHeavy rainVery heavy rainNo rain report
- 1 Bandarawela, 13.3 mm, moderate rain
- 6 Samanala Wawa, 21 mm, moderate rain
- 13 Ratnapura, 20.9 mm, moderate rain
- 16 Kiriella, 93.5 mm, fairly heavy rain
- 17 Ellagawa, 93.4 mm, fairly heavy rain
- 20 Ratmalana, trace, dry
- 22 Colombo, 0.8 mm, dry
16 gauges not reporting.
Gauge coverage: most of the route.
NBRI's warning stays in force after rain eases.
Satellite estimate
- Last 3 days: among the wettest 1% of 3-day periods since 2000 in Kiriella.
Rain outlook (computer model) · Next day: Chance of a rare wet day
- Next day: a chance of a wet day of the kind that comes about 1–2 days a month in Bandarawela, Haputale, Haldummulla, Imbulpe +2 (the wettest 5% of days there; several times the usual chance). (10 Nov, 05:30 to 11 Nov, 05:30)
- Next 3 days: a chance of a wet day of the kind that comes about 1–2 days a month in Bandarawela, Haputale, Haldummulla, Imbulpe +4 (the wettest 5% of days there; several times the usual chance). (10 Nov, 05:30 to 13 Nov, 05:30)
- "Not signalled" never means dry or safe. This is a computer model, not a warning, and it never changes NBRI's levels. Like the satellite, it reads hill-country rain low and can miss heavy local downpours.
- ECMWF ensemble forecast (open data, CC BY 4.0), run 9 Nov, 17:30, compared with each division's own satellite record.
Weather forecast (Met Dept)
×Amber · Thunderstorms Amber Warning (Be Prepared)
- Amber · Thunderstorms Amber Warning (Be Prepared). Districts: Ampara, Badulla, Batticaloa, Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Matale, Matara, Moneragala, Mullaitivu, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, Trincomalee, Vavuniya. Warning Description: There is an increased likelihood of severe lightning associated with thundershowers at several places in the following areas during the evening or night. Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. Strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough sea conditions can be expected temporarily during thundershowers in the sea areas. Action Required: • Stop paddy and plantation work, outdoor sports and construction when storms approach. • Move into a substantial building or an enclosed hard-topped vehicle; do not shelter under trees, open huts, tents or bus halts. • Avoid open fields, hilltops, beaches, tanks, rivers and other water bodies. • Fishermen and small-boat operators should not go to sea and should return to shore early. • Avoid bathing, using wired phones and handling electrical appliances during thunder. • Avoid travelling on tree-lined roads and through flooded roads. • Follow flood warnings and landslide warnings. • Protect livestock, crops and property, and be ready to move to a safe shelter if advised. Damage Expected: • Widespread thunderstorms with frequent lightning, strong gusty winds and heavy rain. • Risk of injury or death for people in open areas such as paddy fields, plantations, playgrounds, beaches, and for people on boats. • Trees uprooted and damage to roofs of non-engineered houses, including tin and thatched roofs. • Localized flash floods and slope failures in vulnerable areas. • Power and communication interruptions and damage to electrical equipment. • Damage to crops, plantations and livestock. • Dangerous conditions for small fishing boats and craft. • Disruption to road, rail and air transport. Issued 10 Nov, 12:45 · Valid until 11 Nov, 01:00.
- Forecast issued 10 Nov, 05:30
- Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern province and in Trincomalee district.
- Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere in the island after 1.00 p.m.
- Covers Ratnapura, Colombo, Kalutara and Badulla on this road: Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
- Showers may occur in the coastal areas of the Southern Province during the morning.
- The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
- Covers Ratnapura, Colombo, Kalutara and Badulla on this road: Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the early hours of the morning.
- Forecast for the main cities, Tuesday, 10 November 2026 (issued 9 Nov, 16:00)
- Ratnapura: Showers or thundershowers after 1.00p.m. Max 33°C, min 23°C.
- Colombo: Showers or thundershowers after 1.00p.m. Max 31°C, min 24°C.
- A forecast never lowers or replaces the NBRI landslide warning above.
- Forecast and advisories by the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka, as issued. LankaWatch is not an official service.
Rivers and catchments
×Crosses 22 named rivers · 6 basins · Walawe Ganga basin rain: Rare here (1–2 days a month) · rain upstream of Walayal Dola: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
Mahaweli Ganga · Kirindi Oya · Walawe Ganga …
RathnapuraBelow Alert · River level 4.54 mDepartment’s thresholds: Alert 5.2, minor flood 7.5, major flood 9.5 m
River basins along this road
- km 0–2 · Mahaweli Ganga basin
- km 2–17 · Kirindi Oya basin
- km 17–29 · Mahaweli Ganga basin
- km 30–88 · Walawe Ganga basin
- km 88–178 · Kalu Ganga basin
- km 178–208 · Bolgoda Ganga basin
- km 208–218 · Kelani Ganga basin
Satellite rain over these basins
- Walawe Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
- Kalu Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
- Kelani Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
- Mahaweli Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
- Bolgoda Ganga basin · Last 3 days: Unusual here (3 days a month)
A whole-basin satellite average against that basin’s own record since 2000, not the area upstream of any one point. Satellites under-read hill rain. Not a warning.
Where this road crosses a river or stream
- km 5 · Kirindi Oya · flows north
0.5 km² drain to this point - km 35 · Diyakana Oya (Walawe Ganga basin) · flows south-west
0.5 km² drain to this point - km 39 · Patana Oya (Walawe Ganga basin) · flows east
0.2 km² drain to this point - km 46 · Weli Oya (Walawe Ganga basin) · flows south-east
23 km² drain to this point - km 52 · Malape Oya (Walawe Ganga basin) · flows south-east
2.7 km² drain to this point - km 57 · Kiriketi Oya (Walawe Ganga basin) · flows south-east
19 km² drain to this point - km 60 · Belihul Oya (Walawe Ganga basin) · flows south-east
50 km² drain to this point - km 72 · Walawe Ganga · flows south-east
132 km² drain to this point - km 96 · Randi Oya (Kalu Ganga basin) · flows south-west
18 km² drain to this point - km 113 · Kalu Ganga
2.1 km² drain to this point
Rathnapura, an Irrigation Department gauge on this river (640 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)): 39.5 mm in the 24 hours to 10 Nov, 08:30 (Moderate); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:03.
River level 4.54 m · Below Alert · falling over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 5.2, minor flood 7.5, major flood 9.5 m) - km 118–121 · Kalu Ganga · 4 crossings
199 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)
Rathnapura, an Irrigation Department gauge on this river (640 km² upstream · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month)): 39.5 mm in the 24 hours to 10 Nov, 08:30 (Moderate); 0 mm in the 3 hours to 10 Nov, 12:03.
River level 4.54 m · Below Alert · falling over about 3 hours (Department’s thresholds: Alert 5.2, minor flood 7.5, major flood 9.5 m) - km 125 · Katugas Ela (Kalu Ganga basin) · flows south
12 km² drain to this point - km 129 · Katugas Ela (Kalu Ganga basin) · flows south-west
657 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month) - km 133 · Maha Ela (Kalu Ganga basin) · flows south-east
699 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month) - km 145 · Kuru Ganga (Kalu Ganga basin)
1,267 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month) - km 156 · Yatipauwa Ela (Kalu Ganga basin)
34 km² drain to this point - km 159 · Walayal Dola (Kalu Ganga basin) · flows south-east
1,447 km² drain to this point · rain over that area, Last 3 days: Rare here (1–2 days a month) - km 163 · Nambapana Ela (Kalu Ganga basin) · flows south
3.8 km² drain to this point - km 165 · Ingiriya Ela (Kalu Ganga basin) · flows south
24 km² drain to this point - km 172 · Mahawak Oya (Kalu Ganga basin) · flows south
77 km² drain to this point - km 180 · Pinwala Ela (Bolgoda Ganga basin) · flows south
20 km² drain to this point - km 187 · Maha Oya (Bolgoda Ganga basin) · flows south-west
22 km² drain to this point - km 191–193 · Maha Oya (Bolgoda Ganga basin) · 2 crossings
63 km² drain to this point - km 210 · Dehiwala Canal (Kelani Ganga basin)
2.9 km² drain to this point - km 210 · Kirillapone Canal (Kelani Ganga basin)
1.2 km² drain to this point
And 7 more unnamed streams on our map
Where this road runs beside a river
- km 119–121 · beside the Kalu Ganga
Rivers and basins come from our own map of Sri Lanka’s river network. Flow direction, where shown, is worked out from the height of the land. This is orientation only, not a flood warning.
The area draining to a crossing is worked out from a terrain model (about 90 m cells) and is approximate. The rain over it is the satellite average for that same area, against its own record since 2000. Areas under about 150 km² are smaller than the satellite can see, so they show no rain.
River levels are the Irrigation Department’s own readings at its gauge, against its own thresholds. This is not a flood warning: flood warnings come from the Irrigation Department and DMC.