Japan, a global leader in radar technology and a longstanding ally of Sri Lanka, has gifted a state-of-the-art Doppler Weather Radar Network to Sri Lanka. This advanced system is set to significantly enhance the country’s capacity for real-time rainfall observation, aiding the Department of Meteorology (DOM) in mitigating the impact of weather-related disasters. These include severe floods, such as those caused by Cyclone Fengal in the Bay of Bengal, which recently devastated paddy fields in the North and East.
Dulari Fernando
The Doppler Weather Radar Network, expected to be fully operational by 2027, is a landmark project celebrating the 70th anniversary of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2024. It emphasizes the vital role of international cooperation and advanced technology in addressing the escalating challenges of climate change.
Acting Director of the DOM, Dulari Fernando, described the new Doppler system as a leap forward in Sri Lanka’s ability to forecast and respond to extreme weather events. “This system safeguards lives and livelihoods while fostering a more resilient future,” Fernando said.
Weather assessments
She said a Doppler radar measures the velocity and movement of precipitation particles such as raindrops and hail using the Doppler Effect—a change in wave frequency caused by the relative motion of the source and the observer. The radar network will feature a meteorological observation tower, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), and an advanced display system. These components will significantly enhance the accuracy of weather assessments, enabling reliable forecasts.
The Doppler Weather Radar Network project will be achieved through the installation of a meteorological observation radar tower, a CPU, and a display system. This project is expected to significantly improve the accuracy of weather assessments, enabling more reliable forecasts and warnings, and assisting in evacuation guidance, thereby reducing the damage caused by natural disasters, said Fernando.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency, in partnership with the Department of Meteorology laying the foundation stone to construct an eleven-storey tower to establish a Doppler Weather Radar Network in Puttalam.
Doppler weather radar systems are costly, with their price influenced by factors such as technology, range, and radar capabilities, as well as the infrastructure required for installation and maintenance. A single Doppler radar unit can cost several million dollars, with high-end systems, such as those equipped with dual-polarisation or phased-array capabilities, carrying an even heftier price tag.
The expenses also include the construction of radar towers. The planned tower in Sri Lanka, intended for the installation of the Doppler radar, will stand at 55 metres, according to Fernando.
Moreover, the maintenance, calibration, and operation of the system further contribute to the overall cost. Skilled personnel are needed to interpret the radar data and manage the system effectively. Supporting infrastructure, such as CPUs, display systems, and integration with other national weather networks, is also critical, Fernando said.
Despite their substantial cost, Doppler radar systems are vital investments for nations prone to severe weather events. They provide invaluable real-time data for accurate weather forecasting, disaster mitigation, and climate resilience, ultimately saving lives and reducing economic losses from weather-related disasters.
In a ground-breaking initiative aimed at bolstering Sri Lanka’s climate resilience, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the Department of Meteorology last week laid the foundation stone for the construction of an eleven storey (about 55 metre tall) tower for establishing a Doppler Weather Radar Network in the Puttalam district. The foundation laying ceremony was held on December 23 at the Meteorology Department District Office in Puttalam. It marked a significant milestone in the history of weather forecasting in the country. The event featured key dignitaries, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka Naoaki Kamoshida, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Tetsuya Yamada and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence Dharmathilaka and DOM.
Accurate forecasting
Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka Naoaki Kamoshida said, “The establishment of the Doppler Weather Radar System will enable more accurate weather forecasting. The development of CPU and display systems will enhance real-time rainfall observation capabilities across Sri Lanka, significantly contributing to strengthened pre-disaster measures against natural disasters in the country.”
“Japan continues to provide proactive disaster risk management support to IORA member countries, including Sri Lanka, by applying the knowledge and technology Japan has gained from its own experiences. Japan has provided both hardware and software support to ensure that the radars provided under the project are successfully operated. In addition, in response to the recent flood damage caused by the Cyclone “Fengal”, Japan quickly sent relief supplies to Sri Lanka,” said Kamoshida.
JICA Sri Lanka Office Chief Representative Tetsuya Yamada said the flood damage caused by the recent cyclone was enormous. He said, “It is important to collect accurate meteorological data, including rainfall, to predict sudden rainfall and mitigate such damage. This project will make a significant contribution to collecting the data. In addition, Climate Change is a top agenda in Sri Lanka, and it is also important to collect and accumulate a sufficient amount of meteorological data by using weather observation radar in order to accurately assess the impact of Climate Change.”
“JICA will continue to cooperate with the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure that the country’s first Doppler Radar can be fully utilised, in coordination between this project and another technical cooperation that is being implemented separately” said Yamada.
He said that this project aims to develop meteorological data mainly for the purpose of disaster prevention, but meteorological information is also needed in the fields of agriculture, fisheries and electricity (especially for renewable energy), and it is hoped that the data and meteorological observation information obtained from the meteorological radars will be widely used in the future. Meteorology Department Director of Forecasting Ajith Wijemanna said this advanced system promises accurate weather observation and prediction, using cutting-edge radar technology to reduce the risks of floods, landslides, and droughts while also benefiting agriculture and fisheries.
While the agreement to fund the radar network was signed in 2017, progress was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022. Despite these setbacks, the collaboration between Sri Lanka and Japan remained steadfast. In August 2024, the joint venture of Japan Radio Corporation and Hazama Ando Corporation was selected to construct the radar and install its sophisticated systems.
In tandem with the radar network, JICA has launched a capacity-building project aimed at enhancing the Meteorology Department’s expertise in collecting, interpreting, and analysing weather data. This initiative ensures that accurate weather information will be shared with other organisations and the public, further strengthening the country’s disaster preparedness.
