Meteorological Department land for British H.C.
By Damitha Hemachandra
Nearly two acres of the Meteorological Department land is to be handed over to the British High Commission as an extension to their garden crippling many meteorological researches of one of Asia's best meteorological centres, Treasury sources said yesterday.

A number of past and present members of the Meteorological Department expressed fears that the relocation could make a difference in the pattern of research and observations, which were maintained during the past 150 years.

" The integrity of the meteorological record, ranked as only second best to Madras, in the region records is at risk," a former meteorologist said.

Most of the observation instruments would be re-located and cramped preventing a fair judgement, he warned.

The Head of the Meteorology Department refused to comment on the relocation adding that the decision was taken nearly one year back by the Treasury and Land Commissioner. He also stressed that they have no choice but to relocate, following the government directive.

Meanwhile a spokesperson for the British High Commission said that the decision for the hand over was taken at top government level and added that the land would be used to build an extension to the House of British High Commission.