Heat wave in Colombo

28 September 2011 10:12 am - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Meteorological Department today attributed the strong sun light and heat currently experienced in Colombo to the removal of what it called the ‘natural cooling system in the city’ by cutting trees that gave a cover to the sunlight among other factors.

The Daily Mirror has received a number of calls in the last couple of days from our subscribers that they were experiencing headaches and an irritable sensation in their eyes when they were exposed to sun light.

The Acting Director General of the Meteorological Department, S. H. Kariyawasam told the Daily Mirror when asked about this said cutting down of trees in the city, which provided a natural cooling system to the environment, vehicle emissions, heavy smoke and closer positioning of the sun to Sri Lanka may have a contributory factor to headaches and the irritable sensation in the eyes.

“The sun is positioned just above the south of the equator at the moment which means Sri Lanka is to get strong sun shine,” Mr. Kariyawasam added.
Mr. Kariyawasam said the South-West monsoon is still in full swing and rains can be expected in the next couple of days minimising the effect of the heat.
Meanwhile, Colombo eye hospital director Dr. Sisira Liyanage said the effect of the ultra violet rays was high when some-one is exposed to strong sun shine.

“When the eye muscle attempts to adapt to the high sun light with its muscle movement, a headache is possible,” Dr. Liyanage said.

He said by wearing a standard sun glass, a hat, a cap or using an umbrella one can prevent headache and irritability in the. One must consult a doctor or come to the eye hospital if the headache and eye irritability continues. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)

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Comments - 20

Boru epaa! Wednesday, 28 September 2011 01:14 PM

The heat wave has to do with where the sun is, and I too agree the trees should not be cut. This is not a political issue--the sun is overhead, there are no clouds, and so it gets hot.

ABC Thursday, 29 September 2011 06:49 AM

That is so sad brother..

Kumar Thursday, 29 September 2011 05:55 AM

I spent 5 days in remand for growing trees, as I did not give into the extortion racket by the dengue breeding PHI's to cut down trees. Although my complaint was acknowledged and referred to the Health Dept. by Sec. to President not a single officer of Health has visited to verify situation although months have passed.

Black Mamba Thursday, 29 September 2011 03:02 AM

The weeping willows strike back!!!

Anu Wednesday, 28 September 2011 03:58 PM

Atleast trees give a shade,breeze,oxygen and a relief to the eye.While the GOS is encouraging to grow trees, why they allow to cut these trees. Is it to show their authority or power over the people. I could say whoever did this is stupid,foolish and a ass h----

Big Ears Wednesday, 28 September 2011 03:02 PM

We may have a long solar eclipse soon going by the Met department forecast. Forecast, does it mean not correct?

Ravi C Sam Wednesday, 28 September 2011 02:11 PM

Dear Readers It is sad that you all are not aware of the blasts that had occurred in the sun during the month of Sept.by which Solar flares have been coming towards the earth since September 4th. At least Daily Mirror has been able to publish the Heat wave. This is not because of the trees. Current Space weather Condition warning have been issued by NOAA of geomagnetic storm at G1 level. Three black spot are visible in the sun... Stay watch.

tuan Wednesday, 28 September 2011 02:01 PM

if you destroy nature , this is the outcome and . Nature is
to protect us in all aspects in terms of beautification the
colombo city, leave those decade old trees and focus on
other work related failing which soon colombo city will be
like who stands next to a bakery oven.

Anu Wednesday, 28 September 2011 01:46 PM

This is the punishment by nature. The perpetrators live in A/C rooms. People suffer. They do things as if they own our country.It's time to bring them to justice.

cheena Wednesday, 28 September 2011 01:27 PM

Doesn't anybody have a thermometre to check the temparature? What kind of temparatures are we talking about? Do we not use units anymore, but go by the feelings?

Ru2 Wednesday, 28 September 2011 10:27 AM

All those parapet walls around houses and other building are another major factor for the heat in Colombo. Contrary to what people think they do not provide security - anything can happen inside these fortress like places and no one will have a clue. What these walls do is block natural air circulation, reflect heat from wall to wall and altogether make the whole place one big oven! off with the walls!!

Roshan Wednesday, 28 September 2011 01:03 PM

live with nature......
artificial not be long term.....
develop the country with keeping natural things....
Sustainable development is best to any country.....

Boru epaa! Wednesday, 28 September 2011 01:02 PM

This is pure unadulturated nonsense! At this time of the year the sun is "transiting" southwards--as it does northwards in April--and so the force of the sun is stronger because it is more or less shining straight down on Sri Lanka. If there happen to be no clouds, it is going to be felt more strongly. Walls and trees in various neighborhoods no doubt have an effect on those areas, but...

palithaeka Wednesday, 28 September 2011 12:21 PM

Cut trees, give forest to foreigners for cutting trees, finish Sinharajaya. Then Heat waves

Dee Wednesday, 28 September 2011 12:09 PM

we are like singapore now, how nice , soon will be drinking imported water. good no?

Anon Wednesday, 28 September 2011 11:06 AM

thumbs up to the govt for cutting down the trees and "beautifying" the city...keep going sonny. What happened to Libya and Egypt will one day happen here

TMA Wednesday, 28 September 2011 10:56 AM

Let's keep cutting Sinharaja & building highways, in that way everything will gonna all right

senna Wednesday, 28 September 2011 10:50 AM

who is responsible and why everyone kept quite.

Dee Wednesday, 28 September 2011 10:50 AM

But the walls are coming down? so are the trees. how nice . like dubai. oh colombo!

PresiDunce Bean Wednesday, 28 September 2011 10:43 AM

We all know who cut the trees and who is responsible for the Heat wave in Colombo...but what can we do?

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Heat wave in Colombo

Comments - 20

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