July 04, Colombo: Several shops and the bus stand at Elpitiya town in Galle were severely damaged due to a strong wind that blew across the area this afternoon.≤p≥ A gale-force wind accompanied with torrential rains blew across the Elpitiya town throughout the day collapsing power lines and cutting power to the people, the Elpitiya police said.

However the Department of Meteorology confirmed that it wasn't a cyclone.

The Met Department said these kind of strong winds could be expected during the monsoon season that has already started.