History of meteorological observations in the form of rainfall measurements dates back to
year 1850. Systematic recording of observations started during 1866-1883 under the Survey
General of Ceylon. Present Department of Meteorology was enacted in the parliament in
October 1948, with the objectives of:
Providing all meteorological and climatological information nationally, in accordance will WMO and ICAO regulations,
Supplying of limited seismological and astronomical information to general public and
Maintenance of time service nationally.
The observation network consists of 22 meteorological stations managed by the Department of Meteorology and 42 Agrometeorological stations managed by various Government and Statuary Institutions. In addition, over 350 rain gauge stations supplement this network.