Sri Lanka warns of drought, floods from El Nino

People wade through a flooded street after heavy rainfall in Biyagama on the outskirts of Colombo on May 23, 2026. (File photo: AFP/Ishara S Kodikara) 23 Jul 2026 05:18PM COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is heading for a severe drought followed by devastating floods due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, the environment minister warned on Thursday (Jul 23).Scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events around the world.The return this year of El Nino, which warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, is expected to bring changes in wind and rainfall patterns.Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi said Sri Lanka was managing both irrigation and drinking water reserves as authorities anticipated a severe dry spell unti