Scientists have warned that inhabitants in Jaffna peninsula would have to face severe difficulties within next five years due to rising sea levels.

Northern Province Minister of Agriculture, Agrarian Services, Animal Husbandry, Irrigation and Environment Ponnuthurai Ainkaranesan said that Jaffna was at a high risk of coastal erosion due to physical features of the peninsula. He pointed out that mechanisms should be taken to suppress the situation.

Former Chancellor of University of Sri Jayawardenapura Prof. Senevi Epitawatte stated that if sea level rises by 50 cm, the peninsula will be submerged.

Epitawatte said that Miocene limestone layer in Jaffna peninsula had been eroded with sea water and natural fresh water deposits had connected to the sea. He pointed out that fresh drinking water had to be provided to the peninsula either from sending water of a source in a remote area or by cleaning lagoon or sea water.

However, these procedures are highly expensive, Epitawatte said.