August 31, Colombo (LNW): Nearly 82,000 people in several parts of Sri Lanka are experiencing difficulties obtaining safe drinking water as persistent dry weather conditions continue to affect the country.
The National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) said 81,929 people from 25,647 families across 24 Divisional Secretariat areas in seven districts have been affected by the shortage.
NDRSC Senior Assistant Secretary Prageeth Danansooriya said measures were under way to supply drinking water to affected communities, with the NDRSC working alongside District and Divisional Secretariats to manage distribution.
Monaragala and Batticaloa have reported the most serious problems so far, while residents in Ampara, Badulla, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota and Ratnapura are also facing shortages.
Funds required for emergency water distribution have already been provided to the relevant District Secretaries, allowing authorities to begin responding to the immediate needs of affected communities.
Officials are also preparing for the possibility of conditions becoming more difficult. Danansooriya said forecasts from the Department of Meteorology indicate that the dry spell could persist or intensify in the days ahead, with further financial assistance to be made available if necessary.
Authorities have appealed to residents who are unable to obtain drinking water or other essential supplies to report their difficulties promptly to their local Grama Niladhari or Divisional Secretary, enabling assistance to be arranged without delay.
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