The Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), says police and tri-forces are actively reaching affected areas despite severe weather disruptions. Speaking at a media briefing today (28), he urged residents to follow instructions from Grama Niladhari Officers, adding that essential food supplies and safe shelters are being arranged.

Aircraft, naval boats and military teams have been deployed for rescue operations, though bad weather has slowed some efforts. An operations room at Army Headquarters is now coordinating nationwide disaster management, with 20,500 Army personnel mobilised. So far, 4,766 people have been rescued. The President has assigned the tri-forces to provide food for all affected families.

The Navy has 141 relief teams on standby, with 32 deployed, mainly for flood rescues and assisting fishermen. The Air Force has dispatched six helicopters and 1,600 personnel, focusing on Badulla and Kandy. Sri Lanka has also reached out to India to use aircraft from an Indian warship, but take-off remains difficult due to weather.

The Met Department says the cyclone is now 40 km inland from Trincomalee, with continued heavy rainfall expected. Northern, North Central, North Western, Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces will experience intense showers, while Galle and Matara may receive up to 150 mm of rain. Winds could reach 80 km/h, and sea waves may rise 2–3 meters. Conditions in the Southern Province should ease by tomorrow.

The DMC stressed that saving lives is the top priority, urging immediate evacuation when warnings are issued. So far, 44,192 families across 25 districts have been affected. 42 houses are completely destroyed, and 2,810 damaged, with compensation of Rs. 2.5 million allocated per affected house.

The Irrigation Department reports over 50 major and 50 medium tanks overflowing. The Kelani River water level continues to rise, and Colombo may face flooding worse than the 2016 disaster by tomorrow night (29), officials warned.