COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rains have left at least seven people dead in Sri Lanka ’s tea-growing mountainous regions and forced the closure of some schools, officials said Tuesday.
Heavy downpours over the last two days flooded homes, fields and roads in many parts of the country. The mountainous areas in the central region are the worst hit, according to the government’s Disaster Management Center.
At least five people died after being buried in mudslides that overran two houses in the central region, while two others died in floods, said Pradeep Kodippili, the center’s spokesperson. Three others have been injured. He said 291 houses had been damaged and nearly 3,500 people have been evacuated.
Navy and army personnel have been deployed to rescue those trapped in the floods. Local television channel Hiru TV showed troops and civilians rescuing people trapped by floodwaters in their homes or at risk of being buried by mudflows.
Local channels also showed huge rocks, mudslides and fallen electric posts blocking several roads in the central region.
The natural disaster comes as Sri Lanka is still trying to recover from the devastation in November caused by Cyclone Ditwa, which killed nearly 640 people, affected 2 million people and caused an estimated $4.1 billion in damage.
The central province was the hardest hit by Ditwa and the government is struggling to rebuild roads, railways and houses.
Mudslides and floods are among the most destructive natural disasters, causing severe damage to lives and property in Sri Lanka every year. Heavy monsoon rains mostly trigger mudslides in the central hill region while flooding low-lying areas, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
People walk across a mud covered road following heavy rain in Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. (AP Photo)
People clean a stretch of a road that covered with mud following heavy rain in Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. (AP Photo)
People walk across a mud covered road following heavy rain in Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. (AP Photo)
PLYMOUTH, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 13, 2026--
Blue Horizon Energy, a Minnesota-based clean energy development and construction firm, has been recognized by the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) for its work on the 2026 Solar Project of the Year: the University of Minnesota's CAP Solar Projects 2026. The award was presented September 30 at MnSEIA's annual Gateway to Solar Conference in Minneapolis, recognizing the project as a significant contribution to Minnesota's growing solar industry.
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The University of Minnesota's Climate Action Plan (CAP) solar expansion will add over 4 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity across eight locations on the Twin Cities campus, including five rooftops and three surface parking areas. Once complete, the installations will nearly triple the University's existing on-campus solar capacity, increasing it from approximately 2 MW to more than 6 MW.
The project advances the University's 2023 Climate Action Plan, which establishes a goal of reaching 6 MW of on-campus solar capacity by 2033. Construction began in June 2026, with completion expected in 2027.
Blue Horizon Energy is the lead solar photovoltaic contractor on the projects, supporting a broader construction partnership. The project is led by the University's Energy Management and Capital Project Management teams and represents a coordinated effort to expand renewable energy infrastructure across a complex, active university campus.
"We’re honored to receive this recognition once more," said Griffin Dooling, CEO of Blue Horizon Energy. "Our teams work hard every day to deliver high-quality, high-performing energy projects, but it's especially impactful when our efforts support a hometown institution like the University of Minnesota. These projects will deliver on the University’s goals while also producing long-term energy resilience and economic savings."
This recognition underscores the importance of strong construction partnerships in advancing large-scale renewable energy projects. For Blue Horizon Energy, it reflects the company's continued commitment to delivering technically sound, high-quality solar projects for businesses, institutions and communities across the United States. This is Blue Horizon Energy’s second year winning MnSEIA’s Project of the Year award.
“Blue Horizon Energy is a leader in our industry,” said Cynthia Bennett, Interim Executive Director of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA). “We’re grateful for their team’s work on these projects, showing what’s possible when the solar industry and leading institutions work together to build a more sustainable future in Minnesota.”
About Blue Horizon Energy
Blue Horizon Energy is a Minnesota-based clean energy development and construction firm delivering solar energy, battery storage, and related electrical infrastructure for businesses, utilities and communities. From project development to construction and operations, Blue Horizon Energy brings the expertise and accountability needed to deliver high-quality energy projects. Learn more at bluehorizonenergy.com.
Photo credit: MnSEIA, Mike Madison
Blue Horizon Energy CEO, Griffin Dooling, accepting the Project of the Year award at MnSEIA's Gateway to Solar conference.
