Colombo: Sri Lanka's politicians may be used to running the risk of bomb attacks during elections, but the timing of this year's presidential poll means they perhaps should be more worried about lightning.
More than 60 people die in lightning strikes every year in Sri Lanka, mainly during rainy spells in October and November, and University of Colombo physics lecturer Chandima Gomes said rallies ahead of the November 17 poll could boost the toll.
"The speakers' platforms are tall metal structures that are not properly grounded," he said.
"This can attract lightning. If there are tall trees, then people also shelter under them and that attracts lightning," he added.
Gomes said he had received calls from several rally organisers asking how they could minimise the risks.
Putting up lightning conductors higher than the stage could help but Gomes is against large rallies during the rainy season.
With presidential candidates Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and main opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe set for a face off, rallies are unlikely to be cancelled.
Sri Lankan officials are more focused on election security. Outgoing President Chandrika Kumaratunga lost an eye in a suicide bombing during the last presidential campaign in 1999.
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