28 September 2011 10:12 am
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)