February 27, Colombo (LNW): The prolonged dry weather in Sri Lanka has led to significant disruptions in water supply across several regions, including Colombo, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Matara, and Kandy, according to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).
The decreased rainfall has resulted in lower water levels in reservoirs, making it difficult for the authorities to maintain regular water distribution.
In response to the situation, the NWSDB has increased the use of water bowser trucks to deliver water to affected areas. However, with the supply under pressure, the public is being urged to use water sparingly and avoid wastage during these challenging conditions.
In addition to water shortages, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has reported a sharp rise in the cost of power generation. This is largely due to an increase in the operation of thermal and fuel oil power plants, which are being used more frequently to compensate for the reduction in hydroelectric power output.
The Norochcholai Power Plant, which is one of the country’s key sources of electricity, is currently operating at full capacity to meet the demand.
The country’s reliance on hydroelectric power has significantly decreased, with only 20 per cent of daytime electricity and 40 per cent of nighttime electricity now being sourced from hydro plants.
This shift has placed additional strain on thermal power generation, which has resulted in a spike in energy costs.
The combination of water and power supply issues highlights the severe impact of the ongoing dry spell, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant and make efforts to conserve both water and energy.
