Residents of Pitakanda village in the Ayagama Divisional Secretariat of Ratnapura District are calling on authorities to install lightning protection systems after at least eight people have been killed in lightning strikes over recent years.
The village is home to nearly 300 families, most of whom rely on tea, cinnamon and coffee cultivation. Although economically stable, residents say their safety is under persistent threat because of the area’s mountainous terrain and frequent storms.
Strikes have repeatedly damaged homes, the local school and the village temple, with residents reporting that almost every household has suffered damage at some point. Despite repeated appeals to authorities, no lightning conductors have been installed.
Two recent incidents have intensified the calls. On April 13, hours before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, a resident was killed in a lightning strike. On April 23, lightning struck the village temple, leaving the chief monk injured and requiring hospital treatment.
Residents warn that without urgent action, further deaths are likely. They are urging district officials and the Disaster Management Centre to install proper lightning protection at the school, temple and across the village’s exposed ridges.
Sri Lanka recorded its highest lightning intensity in years earlier this week, with 19 districts placed under red alerts as severe convective storms swept the western and southern hills.
Source: Ada Derana.
