Sri Lanka, May 24 -- The southwest monsoon is likely to establish over Sri Lanka around May 26 or 27, bringing increased rainfall to the southwestern parts of the island during that period, the Department of Meteorology has stated.

Meanwhile, data from the Irrigation Department indicates that water levels in several major rivers, which rose following heavy rainfall in recent days, are now gradually returning to normal levels.

With the gradual establishment of the southwest monsoon over the island, many areas in the southwestern region experienced heavy showers over the past few days. Some areas recorded rainfall exceeding 200 mm to 300 mm, causing water levels in several major rivers to rise and triggering flood situations.

However, du...