Sri Lanka, May 17 -- The low-pressure system in the North-East of the country that triggered intense downpours is expected to weaken gradually, Meteorology Department duty forecasters said yesterday.

However, they said, showers will continue intermittently over the next 24-48 hours, with some spells of heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm expected in several provinces. These showers could prolong the risk of floods and landslides in vulnerable districts.

Sources said that heavier rainfall is possible on the Western slopes of the Central hills, increasing the likelihood of further landslides and flash flooding, they said.

Heavy rains since last Tuesday across the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces - linked to the low-pressu...