The Ministry of Education has issued a circular on the appropriate actions to be taken due to the current high temperatures and weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, the ministry has issued recommendations to all Provincial Secretaries and Education Directors on the appropriate actions to be taken with regard to schools.

The ministry recommends that students be prevented from engaging in outdoor activities or being exposed to high temperatures, citing potential risks for heat cramps, strokes and exhaustion. 

Relevant authorities have been instructed to factor in high temperatures when organizing sports meets and outdoor events. (Newswire)

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The Department of Meteorology has warned the prevalent dry weather conditions will increase in March and April this year. 

Addressing the media yesterday, Deputy Director of the Met Department Meryl Mendis said the prevalent dry weather will continue over the next few days. 

He said, however, rain can be expected in the latter part of February, between 24-27, during which the prevalent hot weather may subside.

Stating that, however, it was a temporary relief, Meryl Mendis said hot weather conditions will return in March and April. 

Meanwhile, the President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), Dr. Surantha Perera pointed out that the impact on young children will be high during hot weather. 

He further warned people working outdoors and farmers to remain vigilant and take adequate measures to handle the dry weather conditions. 

Dr. Surantha Perera advised the public to consume adequate water during this period. 

However, the Water Board has requested the public to use water sparingly during this period.

The Water Board has made the request due to the low water levels in reservoirs as a result of dry weather conditions. (Newswire)

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The Department of Sports Development has issued a new circular on the guidelines to be followed for marathons and long-distance sprint events organized by schools and for the public. 

As per the circular, it is mandatory for all athletes participating in marathons and long-distance sprint events to undergo a medical checkup.

The athletes involved in marathon races must also provide a medical report and ECG report to the doctor on-site at events in order to be eligible to participate. 

The measures have been taken after considering the unfortunate deaths of athletes reported recently due to the prevalent hot weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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The public has been warned of health risks, especially to children, due to the prevalent hot weather experienced in Sri Lanka at present. 

Speaking to the media, Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Channa de Silva said that several sports activities, such as sports meets and inter-school contests, are being conducted at present, despite the hot weather conditions. 

Dr. Channa de Silva warned that children can face severe health risks such as heat shocks and heat cramps, when exposed to hot weather conditions through sporting events. 

The Consultant Paediatrician warned that this could also unfortunately result in the deaths of some children.

Stating that all sporting activities must conclude before 11.00 am, Dr. Channa de Silva requested school authorities and parents to refrain from exposing their children to sunlight after 11.00 am as much as possible. (NewsWire)

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The prevalent hot weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka will continue until May this year, the Department of Meteorology said. 

Speaking to the media, Deputy Director of the Department, Ajith Wijemanna said that dry weather conditions will continue from March through mid to end of April. 

He further said that the hot weather conditions will only end with the commencement of the Southwest -monsoon Season in May. 

Meanwhile, the Met department has also issued a Heat Index Advisory for the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western and Southern provinces and Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Mannar and Monaragala districts.

As per the advisory for today, the Heat index, which is the temperature felt on the human body, is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the abovementioned areas.

As per the advisory for caution level, fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity, while continuing activity could result in heat cramps. (NewsWire)

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