Sri Lanka declared all government offices and schools closed on Friday as the death toll from widespread flooding and landslides surged to 56, with more than 600 homes damaged and thousands displaced by relentless monsoon rains. Torrential downpours that intensified on Thursday triggered catastrophic landslides in the central hill country and submerged low-lying areas, prompting emergency rescues and the suspension of road and rail services across multiple districts.

The deadliest incidents occurred in the tea-growing districts of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, approximately 300 kilometers east of Colombo, where over 25 people perished in landslides that buried homes under mud and debris. The Disaster Management Centre reported 21 people still missing and 14 injured in those areas alone, while additional fatalities were recorded from landslides and drowning incidents elsewhere. Overflowing reservoirs and rivers have inundated roads, halted passenger trains, and left entire communities cut off after fallen trees, rocks, and floodwaters blocked key transport routes.

Military and emergency teams swung into action on Thursday, with air force helicopters airlifting stranded residents—including three people rescued from a rooftop surrounded by floodwaters—and navy and police boats evacuating families from inundated villages. Dramatic footage broadcast nationwide showed a car with three occupants being swept away by raging floodwaters near Ampara in the east, resulting in their deaths. Authorities warned that the toll could rise further as search operations continue in remote areas.

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The government’s decision to shut offices and schools nationwide on Friday reflects the severity of the crisis, which began intensifying last week and reached a peak on Thursday. Meteorological officials forecast continued heavy rainfall in coming days, raising fears of fresh landslides in the already saturated central highlands and further flooding in the north, east, and south. Relief centers have been opened to house the displaced, while the Disaster Management Centre is coordinating food, water, and medical aid to affected regions.

As Sri Lanka battles one of its worst monsoon disasters in recent years, rescue teams remain on high alert amid deteriorating weather conditions. The closure of public institutions aims to keep citizens safe while emergency services focus on saving lives and restoring access to the hardest-hit communities.

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