Sri Lanka Air Force conducts aerial religious rituals to combat drought

The Sri Lanka Air Force has conducted a special religious mission to seek relief from severe drought conditions caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon. Using a Y-12 fixed-wing aircraft, the operation involved Buddhist monks, including the Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero, performing 'Seth Pirith' (blessings) and chanting from the air over drought-stricken agricultural regions.

During the flights, personnel sprayed 'Pirith Pan' (blessed water) over the parched areas. This symbolic gesture aims to invoke divine intervention to bring rainfall to the island. The drought has significantly impacted the nation, with main reservoirs currently holding only about 50% of their capacity and authorities closing two of the six zones in Yala National Park to tourists due to water scarcity.

While meteorologists have predicted heavy rainfall between late September and December, there are ongoing concerns regarding a potential prolonged drought in the first half of next year. The current dry weather continues to place pressure on the country's agricultural sector and rural livelihoods.