Sri Lanka, July 24 -- Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi yesterday warned that the El Nino phenomenon has intensified and could reach its peak earlier than previously anticipated, with Sri Lanka expected to experience prolonged dry weather over the next three months before heavy rains return towards the end of the year.

Addressing a press briefing at the Government Information Department yesterday (23), the Minister said the latest forecasts indicate that El-Nino could develop into a strong event by November.

He said the Government has already established a Cabinet Sub-Committee and an officials' committee, appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to co-ordinate national preparedness and ensure all State institutions imple...