Sri Lanka Flies Buddhist Monks Over Drought-Hit Areas to Pray for Rain
BUDDHIST MONKS – In an extraordinary attempt to seek divine intervention, three Buddhist monks were flown over drought-stricken areas to pray for rainfall.
Sri Lanka’s Air Force has turned to a centuries-old spiritual practice amid worsening concerns over dry weather, flying Buddhist monks over drought-stricken areas to pray for rain and perform a symbolic blessing.
Three Buddhist monks dressed in saffron robes took part in the unusual flight on Saturday evening. During the journey, they recited prayers calling on the gods to bring an end to the drought, while air force personnel scattered holy water over affected areas.
An Air Force official confirmed to AFP that the monks traveled aboard a Y-12 fixed-wing aircraft. The operation was presented as an act of compassion as communities continue to deal with difficult weather conditions.
“As the nation faces the hardships of dry weather, the… aircraft takes to the skies in a symbolic act of compassion,” the air force said in a social media post.
The religious gesture comes as Sri Lanka prepares for potentially contrasting weather conditions in the coming months. The country’s meteorological authorities have cautioned that some areas could experience severe drought while others may face intense rainfall before the end of the year.
Sri Lanka, a nation of around 22 million people with a largely agriculture-dependent economy, is also dealing with the effects of what officials describe as its “worst” El Niño climate phenomenon.
The drought has already affected Yala, the country’s biggest wildlife park in the southeastern region. Two of the park’s six sections have been temporarily closed to tourists because of the lack of water.
Forecasters expect the current dry conditions to eventually be replaced by substantial rainfall beginning toward the end of September and continuing through December. However, another extended period of drought is anticipated early next year, raising concerns about the country’s water resources.
Officials said water reservoirs, including those used to support hydroelectric power generation, are currently at roughly half of their capacity. Although this level remains relatively favorable compared with previous years, authorities remain cautious about the possible impact of prolonged dry conditions.
Sri Lanka has previously used religious ceremonies during periods of low water levels, including occasions when the country’s electricity utility organized prayers to seek divine intervention.
El Niño refers to a natural climate pattern involving warmer-than-usual ocean surface temperatures in parts of the Pacific, which can alter rainfall and wind patterns around the world. Climate change may intensify these effects by increasing the heat and moisture available for extreme weather events.
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