Sri Lanka would have to focus its attention more on using solar panels and air conditioning (AC) in order to cope with the harsher weather conditions, the Director of the Environmental, Occupational Health and Food Safety Unit of the Health Ministry, Dr. Chandanee Withana noted.
Addressing the media at the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) yesterday (1 April), Dr. Withana said that the prevailing warm weather signified that the country is moving towards times when people would be unable to cope without AC.
She said that people should refrain from engaging in outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. They should utilise the morning hours till 11 a.m. and evening after 4 p.m. and the night time to carry out their various outdoor activities. Dr. Withana advised the public to wear light shades of clothing which covered their bodies, and carry a hat or umbrella when going outdoors. Further, she said that they should also carry a bottle of water when moving outdoors.
“Sri Lanka being a green country with endemic plants and trees, steps should be taken to cultivate some of these plants in one’s own garden and surrounding environment”.
President of the College of Emergency Physicians, Dr. Inuka Wijegunawardena, fielding questions, said that those traveling long distances in their private vehicles should think of the safety of their lives and keep the AC operating at its optimal level at least during this period.
“Do not think about fuel costs and fuel conservation, switch on the AC in the vehicle while travelling,” he urged. He noted that as it is, being inside a vehicle that is stopped is very dangerous owing to the heat. This alone could result in giving an individual a heatstroke. Dr. Wijegunawardena said that similarly, even if the vehicle is moving and the shutters are opened, vehicle owners should not forget that they are inside a cell like enclosure.
Also, the heat on the tarred road and inside the vehicle is very high. Therefore, the health risk increases within the moving vehicle and could endanger one’s life.
Consultant Community Physician of the same Unit, Dr. Inoka Suraweera said that as global warming continues to intensify, proper behavioural changes and urban planning are essential, warning that the increase in temperature could become problematic in the future. Dr. Suraweera said that as long term measures, urban planning should be carried out to help face such situations in the future.
Further, she said that employers should make sure that those engaged in outdoor work had proper water and sanitation facilities as well as enclosed or shaded areas to which they could retreat. Dr. Suraweera said that vulnerable groups who could suffer severe effects owing to the prevailing warm weather include young children, elderly persons, pregnant women, those suffering from chronic diseases and those who are under medication.
The Essential Services Commissioner General has urged the minimisation of AC use in offices in the State and private sectors.