September 07, Colombo (LNW): Authorities are maintaining emergency drinking water supplies in several districts as dry weather continues to put pressure on local water resources.
The National Disaster Relief Services Centre said water distribution operations remain in progress across Monaragala, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Badulla and Ratnapura, where communities are facing shortages linked to below-average rainfall.
Senior Assistant Secretary of the Centre, Prageeth Danansooriya, said the number of people requiring assistance has risen slightly over the past week. He attributed the increase primarily to the continued lack of sufficient rain in the affected areas.
Officials expect the situation to remain challenging in the coming weeks, with the number of people needing assistance potentially increasing until the end of September if rainfall remains inadequate.
Residents who have yet to receive drinking water, or who are facing problems with existing supplies, have been urged to notify their local Grama Niladhari officer or Divisional Secretary. Reporting such difficulties promptly will allow officials to assess requirements and arrange additional assistance where necessary.
Members of the public can also report drinking water supply issues directly to the National Disaster Relief Services Centre by calling 071 680 7807. Authorities say information received through the hotline will be used to identify areas requiring urgent attention and coordinate the necessary response.