The Department of Meteorology has dismissed social media claims predicting daily rainfall between 300 mm and 400 mm, urging the public not to be misled by false information circulating online.

Senior Meteorologist Malith Fernando said such misleading reports were creating unnecessary fear among the public.

Speaking during a special media briefing held at the Government Information Department, Fernando stated that the atmospheric disturbance currently affecting the island could develop into a low-pressure condition by today (11).

He said the impact of the system could continue for around three days, during which rainfall and wind conditions over sea areas may intensify.

Fernando clarified that the current weather pattern was not linked to the activation of the southwest monsoon, but rather to a “pre-monsoon” condition.

He further noted that similar weather conditions had been experienced during May in previous years as well, adding that the southwest monsoon is expected to gradually establish itself after 20 May.

Pointing out that thunder showers had already been experienced during the evening hours over the past few days, Fernando warned that increased rainfall in the coming days could lead to flooding in certain areas.

However, he stressed that no unusual or extraordinary weather situation, compared to previous years, had been observed so far.

Commenting on social media posts claiming that Sri Lanka could receive 300–400 mm of rainfall per day, Fernando said the Department of Meteorology issues forecasts based on expected daily rainfall values.

While cumulative rainfall over several days could be high, he stressed that the Department had not issued any official forecast predicting such extreme daily rainfall figures.

Fernando also said the Department had received numerous complaints regarding false weather information spreading rapidly through WhatsApp and Facebook, and urged the public to rely only on official sources for weather updates.

He added that members of the public could obtain official weather information by contacting the Department of Meteorology on 0112 686686 or the Disaster Management Centre hotline 117.