Construction work has officially commenced in Puttalam for the installation of a new state-of-the-art Doppler radar system, aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s severe weather forecasting and early warning capabilities.
Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, said the advanced radar system will be acquired with the assistance of the Government of Japan and is scheduled to become operational by 2027.
The project marks a significant upgrade for the Department of Meteorology, enhancing its ability to monitor extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, cyclones and thunderstorms. Alongside the radar, additional modern equipment will also be introduced to further improve forecasting accuracy.
Minister Jayatissa clarified that this installation is separate from the Doppler radar commissioned in 2017, highlighting that the addition of a second radar will greatly improve national weather surveillance coverage.
“Having two Doppler radar systems will allow us to provide more precise and timely weather information. This is a major step forward in disaster preparedness,” he said.
He further emphasized that the initiative goes beyond technological advancement, playing a crucial role in protecting lives and minimizing damage caused by extreme weather events.
Once operational, the new Doppler radar in Puttalam is expected to significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s capacity for early warnings, disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, particularly for vulnerable regions.
