Abstract:
Knowledge on climatic variations can expand a local community's capacity to adapt to climate change. In
recognition of this process, there are number of knowledge transferring and awareness building.
programmes that have been undertaken in developing countries around the world. While many such
programmes are focused on 'introducing knowledge into local systems' this research emphasizes the
'existences of knowledge within local systems' .on climate change. This study aims to explore the level of
awareness on local rainfall and temperature variations among different societal groups in Negombo and
Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. The research findings stress the existence of strong observations and memories on
climatic variations among local societal groups that exist at different degrees. The findings of this research
suggest strengthening knowledge sharing mechanisms within local systems will enable communities to
learn from one and another in order to enhance their adaptive capacity so as to be more resilient to the
emerging threats of climate change.