Devastating Cyclone Ditwah Disrupts Railways, Roads, and Power Supply In Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is facing widespread disruption as relentless heavy rains and strong winds continue to batter the island, triggering floods, landslides, and infrastructure breakdowns. Authorities have announced urgent measures to mitigate the impact, as transportation networks and essential services remain severely affected.

The Department of Railways confirmed that train operations have been further restricted due to adverse weather conditions. 

Spokesperson Asanka Samarasinghe stated that services on the Batticaloa and Trincomalee lines are now limited to Maho, while trains on the upcountry line will operate only up to Rambukkana.

These restrictions aim to ensure passenger safety amid reports of track damage and flooding.

The Road Development Authority (RDA) reported that vehicular movement on several key highways has been hampered by landslides, earth slips, and flooding. Among the affected routes are:

A4 Highway: Colombo–Ratnapura–Wellawaya–Batticaloa

A26: Kandy–Mahiyanganaya–Padiyatalawa

A5: Peradeniya–Badulla–Chenkalady

A11: Maradankadawala–Habarana–Thirikkondiyamadhu

A1: Colombo–Kandy

A28: Padeniya–Anuradhapura

A9: Kandy–Jaffna

A31: Karaitivu–Ampara

A25: Siyambalanduwa–Damana–Ampara

The RDA confirmed that teams have been deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity.

In the meantime, vehicles are allowed to use expressways free of charge, a temporary measure announced by R.A.D. Kahatapitiya, Deputy General Manager of Expressway Operations and Maintenance, to ease travel during the crisis.

Power Outages Affect Thousands

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) reported widespread power failures caused by fallen transmission lines and damaged infrastructure. Over 200,000 consumers in areas including Mahiyanganaya, Ampara, and Vavunativu are currently without electricity.

According to Noel Priyantha, Deputy General Manager of the CEB, the breakdown of the 132 kV Rantambe–Mahiyanganaya transmission line has exacerbated the situation. Emergency crews have been dispatched to restore supply as quickly as possible.

Officials are advising the public to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert to weather warnings. Disaster management teams are on standby as the situation continues to evolve, with forecasts indicating further heavy rainfall in several districts.