It's the equinox and it's hot

With the sun directly over Sri Lanka, the ongoing heat wave is set to continue and even worsen according to the Meteoro l o g i c a l Department. According to the department the sun will continue to be directly over the country until the 15th of April.

In addition to the rising heat, the humid conditions have worsened the situation and the public has been warned against unnecessary exposure to the sun’s rays.

Farmers across the country face difficulties cultivating their fields as several smaller tanks and reservo i r s h ave dried. Additionally, the sun beating down on them is causing exhaustion, cramps and in more severe cases -heat strokes.

Street cleaners and municipal waste disposal staff bear the brunt of the heat as their working hours require their spending long hours directly under the sun.

Employees are seen desperately using the slightest cover to shade themselves from the burning heat. Sadly these efforts bring only temporary relief as they have to continue their routine in adverse conditions. Residents whose roofs are made of asbestos and corrugated sheets are worst off, as the sun heats the sheets turning their homes into virtual ovens.

Our camerman caught pictures of an unfortunate fellow- citizens making efforts to beat the unbearable heat.

A man pours water on the roof of his house to cool the sheets

Members of the farming community have no alternative but to keep working in the blazing heat

A young couple enjoy cooling off in the heat of the day

Farmers dry ripened paddy on the roadside