By Yohan Perera, Gamini Ilangatilaka, 
D. G Sugathapala and Hemantha de Silva 

The low pressure depression which was prevailing in the central part of Bay of Bengal has developed into a cyclonic storm and moved from the North East of Sri Lanka towards Bangladesh bringing further heavy showers to the island, Department of Meteorology said yesterday. 

The storm ‘Sitrang’ is to bring rains more than 100m to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North Western provinces and also to Galle and Matara Districts during the coming days. Gushing winds are expected in the sea areas around the island with wind speeds increasing up to 40mm.  The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued landslide warnings for Kalutara, Galle, Ratnapura, Kegalle and the Nuwara Eliya District. 

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued landslide warnings for Kalutara, Galle, Ratnapura, Kegalle and the Nuwara Eliya District. 
The  adverse weather conditions have already affected 18, 129 persons from 4,271 families due to floods, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). One person was reported to have drowned in the Bentara River while the other was washed away by the gushing waters in  Waskaduwa.

The Colombo Badulla Train was delayed by one and a half hours due to adverse weather conditions, according to  the Department of Railways. 

Two  gates of Mousakelle were opened as the reservoir reached spill level as of last morning. The district office of DMC said the situation may result in the water level of Kelani river rising. Those who are living along the banks of the river were asked to be on alert for floods.  

A minor flood situation was reported in Galle District with some roads blocked in Baddegama and Ambalangoda.