The Sri Lanka Meteorology Department (SLM) (Department of Meteorology) has a crucial role in life, property, and environmental protection aspects through its fundamental policy of providing weather predictions, warnings, and climate information, and it is accurate and timely. Being the official weather organization in the country, it stands to aid a broad scope of fields such as agriculture, aviation, fishery, disaster management, and the safety of the population.
We discuss responsibilities of the department, the services, the weather stations, the satellite systems working, and the method by which you would get the real-time forecast in Sri Lanka in this article.
Sri Lanka Meteorology Department
This core responsibility of the Department of Meteorology of Sri Lanka, which is under the Ministry of Defense, isto monitor and forecast weather and climate of the country. Since its establishment in 1948, the department has transformed to a contemporary institution that provides real-time weather alert, climate research, and e-services to the individuals and stakeholders.
Its official site (www.meteo.gov.lk) has provided without trouble weather forecasts, satellite pictures, rainfall information, and summaries on climate.
Overview and Contact Information
| Established | 1970s |
| Headquarters | Colombo |
| Address | Department of Meteorology, 383, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka |
| Telephone | +94 2694846/47 | +94 2682669 | +94 2681647 |
| info@meteo.gov.lk |
|
| Online Weather Data—Email | metdpa@meteo.gov.lk |
| Website | meteo.gov.lk |
| www.facebook.com |
Key Responsibilities
The major undertakings of Sri Lanka Meteorology Department are:
- Operation of daily weather forecasting to the general population, aviation, and marine weather services.
- Sending early signals concerning the severe weather, like cyclones, floods, and lightning.
- Observing climate trends and developing long-term climatic forecasts.
- Provision of advisory services on agriculture, fishing, and tourism in relation to weather.
- Operating a national meteorological observation system on the island.
- Working with international organizations relating to meteorology, such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
A Brief History of the Department
Organized weather watch in Sri Lanka is traceable to the mid 19 th century under the British rule. The origin of the ‘Department of Meteorology’ however took formal shape in 1948, the year Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was granted independence.
As a result of the simple rainfall and temperature analysis, the department has evolved to become a modern forecasting agency with Doppler Radars, Automated Weather stations and the availability to global weather satellite systems. It has made a contribution to the regional and international climate research today and at the same time benefits the national interest.
Weather Forecasts and Alerts
The department provides detailed weather forecasts for:
- Daily and weekly weather
- City-by-city forecasts
- Marine and coastal conditions
- Aviation weather
- Seasonal monsoon forecasts
You can access forecasts via their official forecast page, mobile-friendly interfaces, and SMS alerts.
Weather Warnings
The department issues categorized weather warnings such as
- Heavy Rainfall Advisory
- Strong Winds Warning
- Lightning Alert
- Cyclone and Storm Surge Warnings
- Landslide Risk Notifications (in collaboration with NBRO)
TV, radio, and digital platforms distribute these critical alerts for disaster preparedness.
Weather and Climate Data Services
The department offers a comprehensive set of meteorological data services, including
- Historical weather history (rain, temperature, wind)
- Climate resumes and trends
- Customized weather reports for institutions and research
- Monthly and annual bulletins
This data supports infrastructure development, agricultural planning, water management, and academic research.
E-Services Offered by the Meteorology Department
To enhance accessibility and service delivery, the department provides several digital e-services, such as
- Online weather forecast portal
- SMS-based weather updates (via registration)
- Interactive rainfall map
- Live satellite imagery
- Downloadable weather bulletins
- Mobile app and widget integrations
These services enable access to real-time and forecasted figures with one or two clicks by the individuals and even the professionals.
Meteorological Stations in Sri Lanka
As of 2025, the Sri Lanka Meteorology Department operates
- 23 Main Meteorological Stations
- 70+ Automatic Weather Stations (AWS)
- Rainfall observation points across all districts
- 4 Doppler Weather Radars (Colombo, Puttalam, Deniyaya and Batticaloa)
These stations are the main source of the good forecasting by the force of them being well placed around the island such that they cover different climatic regions.
Sri Lanka Meteorology Department Satellite System
The department uses both ground-based observation tools and satellite technology to monitor weather. It receives real-time data from:
- Himawari-9 (Japan)
- Meteosat (Europe)
- INSAT (India)
The satellite imagery has been useful in monitoring the cloud patterns, tropical storms, monsoons, and the progression of cyclones in the Indian Ocean. These data are transmitted and posted on their main site in the form of live images and maps.
What ‘s the Best Weather Website for Sri Lanka?
The best and most accurate weather website for Sri Lanka is the official Meteorology Department website (www.meteo.gov.lk).
It offers:
- Government-verified weather data
- Real-time warnings and updates
- Satellite imagery and climate bulletins
- City-wise forecasts in Sinhala, Tamil, and English
Other reliable substitutes include AccuWeather, Windy, and the Weather Channel, which in most cases use the global models, which may be inaccurate at the local level.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q:1 How can I get to know about the weather in Sri Lanka tomorrow?
A: Visit met.gov.lk or obtain the SMS prediction everyday.
Q2: Does Sri Lanka have an app for weather?
A: The department does not have a specific application, but its site is adapted to mobile devices. Sri Lankan data is available as weather apps such as Windy and MyRadar.
Q3 What is the accuracy of the forecasts?
A: There is a great accuracy in short term (1 3 day) forecast because of satellite data and ground sensors. The climatic influences which arise all over the world are likely to differ in seasonal forecasts.
Q4: I would like to ask; Is historical weather data available to request on a research basis?
A: Yes. Official request can be sent via their contact page or you can go to the department and make a request personally.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka Meteorology Department is a vital organisation that protects the country against the natural disaster and assists the citizens, professionals, and researchers in their decision-making activities by providing the information on weather and climate that is highly credible. It is an important source of scientific information to the future of Sri Lanka given its growing network, satellite systems and e-services.
Regardless of whether you are a farmer undertaking farming like irrigation, a tourist making a visit on your way to hill country or a student doing a climate research project, the Department of Meteorology Sri Lanka is the one place you would go to have reliable weather intelligence which is real time.
