Aviation authorities deny artificial weather modification

The Aviation authorities yesterday denied reports that an artificial weather modification method carried out by the aviation authorities in Katunayake had resulted in a drought in some areas of the Gampaha District.

There is speculation among residents of Negombo, Opatha Kotugoda and Katunayake that pushing away of clouds using a helicopter has resulted in the drying of wells and canals.

Katunayake Free Trade Zone worker M. Perera said he had also heard about this move. “I have been hearing this for some time since the work of the Runway at Bandaranaike International Airport began. However, we have been experiencing some light showers during the past days,” he said.

Opatha resident K.P. Sandeep said he heard from fellow villagers that clouds were being pushed away by aircraft coinciding with the work on the runway project. “They say that some chemical is being sprayed by a helicopter but I have not come across anyone who has seen the helicopter,” he said.

Transport and Aviation Ministry Secretary Nihal Somaweera said his ministry has not given any permission to the Airport Aviation Authority to carry out such an operation and neither had any permission sought at any time. “The Airport and Aviation

The Airport and Aviation Authority has to obtain the ministry’s permission to carry out such an operation but we have no record of any permission being sought

Authority has to obtain the ministry’s permission to carry out such an operation but we have no record of any permission being sought,” he said

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department said there would be rain in several parts of the country including the Gamapaha District. It said cloudy skies along with showers or thundershowers can be expected at times over most parts of the country. Showers above 100mm are expected in some places, especially in the Eastern, Uva, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North Central provinces.

“The Sea area along the coastal belt off Galle to Trinco via Hambantota, Pottuvil and Batticaloa and sea areas along the coast extending from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam can be temporary rough during thundershowers because of the temporary increase in wind speeds up to 55 to 60 kmph,” the department said.