Sri Lanka, April 25 -- Residents of Pitakanda village in the Ayagama Divisional Secretariat Division of Ratnapura District are calling for the installation of lightning protection systems owing to the serious and ongoing threat due to frequent lightning strikes.

The village is home to nearly 300 families, most of whom depend on tea, cinnamon and coffee cultivation for their livelihoods. While economically stable, residents say their safety remains under persistent threat due to the area's exposure to lightning, particularly given its mountainous terrain.

Villagers report that lightning strikes have repeatedly impacted homes, the local school and the temple. Many claim that almost every household in the village has suffered damage at som...