Consultant Eye Surgeon Professor Madhuwanthi Dissanayake, from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colombo said that direct sunlight can damage delicate eye cells, potentially leading to vision problems.

She warned that this damage can accumulate over time, increasing the risk of cataracts. Forecast models indicate that a heatwave will persist nationwide through at least April 1.

The Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology has issued an amber caution (second-lowest level on a four-tier scale) advisory for Western, Northern, North-Central, and North-Western provinces as well as Galle and Matara districts due to the high heat index