Over 50 people die from lightning strikes annually in Sri Lanka: expert warns

The Director of the Astronomy and Space Science Unit at the University of Colombo, Professor Chandana Jayaratne, has stated that over 50 fatalities are reported annually due to lightning strikes in Sri Lanka. He said a large number of people also sustain injuries due to inadequa…

The Director of the Astronomy and Space Science Unit at the University of Colombo, Professor Chandana Jayaratne, has stated that over 50 fatalities are reported annually due to lightning strikes in Sri Lanka. He said a large number of people also sustain injuries due to inadequate attention being given to lightning protection systems.Prof. Jayaratne further stated that steps have been taken to establish a National Lightning Protection Centre to control this situation.He made these remarks while speaking to the media following a workshop held at the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT).