Meanwhile residents of Pitakanda village in the Ratnapura District are urging authorities to take immediate action to address the growing threat of frequent lightning strikes in the area.
Located within the Ayagama Divisional Secretariat Division, the village is home to nearly 300 families, many of whom rely on tea, cinnamon, and coffee cultivation for their livelihoods. Despite being relatively stable economically, residents say their safety is constantly at risk due to the mountainous terrain, which makes it highly vulnerable to lightning activity.
Villagers report repeated incidents of lightning strikes damaging homes, the local school, and the temple. Many claim that nearly every household has experienced some form of destruction over time.
Despite multiple appeals to authorities requesting the installation of lightning protection systems, including conductors, no concrete measures have yet been taken.
The danger has already proven fatal. Residents say at least eight lives have been lost due to lightning strikes in the village, underscoring the urgency of implementing protective infrastructure to prevent further tragedy.
According to the notice, there is a high likelihood of thundershowers accompanied by intense lightning after 1:00 PM in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North Western provinces, as well as in the districts of Galle District, Matara District, Kandy District, and Nuwara Eliya District.
The department further stated that temporary strong winds may occur in these areas during thundershowers.
The public is urged to take necessary precautions to minimize damage and risks caused by lightning.
