# Puttalam Tower Construction Begins for Doppler Radar to Boost Sri Lanka’s Weather Forecasting

- Link: https://www.weather.lk/puttalam-tower-construction-begins-for-doppler-radar-to-boost-sri-lankas-weather-forecasting/
- Published: 2025-12-17T19:51:35+05:30
- Author: Weather LK

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.

![](https://www.weather.lk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Puttalam-Doppler-Radar-2.jpg)