Deep depression in Bay of Bengal moves closer to Sri Lanka

The Department of Meteorology reports that a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is moving closer to Sri Lanka. As of 6:00 a.m. on January 9, 2026, it was situated about 170 km east of Batticaloa. The depression is expected to head northwest towards the Sri Lankan coast, particularly between Pottuvil and Trincomalee, by this evening. As a result, the island will likely experience increased rain and wind, especially in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Uva, and Central Provinces. Earlier today, the Meteorological Department issued a red alert indicating that, at 4:00 a.m., the deep depression was approximately 200 km southeast of Batticaloa.