July 09, Colombo (LNW): The government has stepped up preparations to manage the country’s water resources amid concerns that El Niño conditions could affect Sri Lanka in the months ahead, Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Susil Ranasinghe has said.
According to the Minister, a coordinated framework has been put in place, bringing together all key agencies responsible for water resource management to ensure the country is prepared to respond effectively to any challenges arising from prolonged dry weather.
Speaking on the anticipated weather conditions, Ranasinghe noted that although July and August are generally among the driest months of the year, forecasts suggest this year’s dry period could be more intense than normal, increasing the need for careful management of available water supplies.
He explained that while the northeast monsoon is expected to commence around the middle of September, rainfall during that month is likely to remain below average. Wetter conditions are, however, expected to return during October, November and December, offering some relief to reservoirs and irrigation systems.
The Minister said discussions have already been held with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Irrigation, the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), and officials from the power sector to formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding water resources while meeting agricultural, domestic and energy demands.
He added that all relevant institutions have been instructed to finalise contingency plans and operational measures ahead of the expected dry spell. Those preparedness plans are scheduled to be reviewed at a follow-up meeting on July 20, where authorities will assess progress and determine whether additional measures are required based on the latest weather forecasts.