The Sri Lanka bush warbler has sometimes been placed in the genus Bradypterus and a 2018 study confirms that it is a sister to the clade that contains the Bradypterus and Megalurus warblers;[2] it appears to be closely related to that genus, but differs in structure (relatively shorter-tailed and longer-billed), plumage (unmarked) and song.

[4] The Sri Lanka bush warbler is a bird of dense forest undergrowth, often close to water.

It is found in the highlands of central Sri Lanka, usually above 1200 m. The nest is built in a shrub, and two eggs are laid.

The adult has a plain brown back, pale grey underparts, a broad tail and short wings.

The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds lack the throat colouration.