Met. Dept higherups forecast weather

by Kurulu Kariyakarawana

The regular forecasting of the Colombo Meteorological Department is being done by Directors and Deputy Directors as the department is facing a shortage of meteorologists.

The entire operation of the department is being handled by only 17 qualified meteorologists including Directors and Deputy Directors whereas the required cadre should be 34, Met Department sources said.

The department issues three weather forecasts daily at 5.30am, 12.00 noon and 4.00pm and at least two meteorologists are needed for the purpose.

Some meteorologists work round the clock due to the shortage and at times they are deprived of their meals.

The department has already informed the authorities concerned about the prevailing situation and plans are under way to recruit 14 graduates as trainee meteorologists.

Degree holders with a special class in Mathematics and Physics will be recruited as trainers and they need to complete their MSc in a foreign country to qualify as a professional Meteorologist. The lengthy process of public service examinations and selecting criteria had led to the delay of recruiting new meteorologists for a long time, the sources said.