Climate change:

Dry zone invades wet zone

Disna MUDALIGE

Considering the climatic conditions in the areas near the boundary line of the wet and dry zones of the country, it is clearly visible that the dry zone is gradually extending into the wet zone, Colombo University Geographical Department Head W.N. Wilson said.

“Throughout history this boundary line was stable and did not shift. But during the recent past, we can observe that the dry zone is invading the wet zone. The studies of the rainfall and temperature patterns carried out in those areas prove this fact,” he told the Daily News.

Sri Lanka’s wet zone consists a splendid biodiversity with high density of fauna and flora. A high rate of rare and endemic species are recorded in this zone. The invasion of dry zone into the wet zone has become a threat towards the existence of these species, Wilson said.

“We can observe that Puttalam, Negombo, Matale, Kandy, Mahiyanganaya, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Ampara, Moneragala and Matara are in the process of this shift. The regional climatic changes can occur in these areas such as low rainfall and high temperature resulting in high evaporation and low ground water level,” he said.

”The reason for this change is the impact of global warming. Within the past three decades, Sri Lanka also pursued a fast industrial development. Large-scale development projects, urban development and road development took place, and the use of vehicles increased rapidly. During that time, we have lost 50 percent of our forest cover. As a result, today the natural set up in the country has also changed.” he said.

“This has become an environmental problem as well as an economic and health issue. It affects the country’s agriculture. Certain viral illnesses such as malaria, which could be seen mostly in the dry zone may spread on to the wet zone as well,” Wilson said.