The country experienced a similar situation back in 1997-98, when the crops failed in the dry zone during the Yala season, he told Sri Lanka Mirror.

Owing to the prevailing El Nino condition in the Pacific Ocean, the country is presently witnessing hot weather, according to him.

El Nino

El Nino is a climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean with a global impact on weather patterns.

The cycle begins when warm water in the western tropical Pacific Ocean shifts eastward along the equator toward the coast of South America.