August 01, Colombo (LNW): The Irrigation Department has called on the public to adopt responsible water usage practices as several parts of Sri Lanka continue to face prolonged hot and dry weather, with authorities warning of increasing pressure on available water resources.
Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo on Friday (31), Director of Hydrology and Disaster Management at the Irrigation Department, L.S. Sooriyabandara, said significant water shortages have already been reported in a number of districts due to the prevailing dry conditions.
He revealed that only around 40 per cent of the combined storage capacity of Sri Lanka’s 73 major reservoirs is currently available, highlighting the need for careful management of existing water supplies.
“Many areas across the country are experiencing dry weather. At present, only about 40 per cent of the total capacity of our 73 major reservoirs remains, and several districts are already facing considerable water shortages,” Sooriyabandara said.
He cautioned that rising temperatures expected with the influence of El Niño conditions, together with the approach of August, could increase evaporation rates from reservoirs and other water sources, further reducing available supplies.
The Hydrology Director stressed that until rainfall patterns improve, all available water resources must be managed carefully. He appealed to households, farmers and other users to avoid unnecessary wastage and make every effort to conserve water.
Meanwhile, Director of the Water Management Secretariat Engineer Nilantha Dhanapala said authorities have already prepared plans to deal with possible challenges associated with the expected El Niño conditions.
Clarifying the impact of the weather phenomenon, Dhanapala explained that El Niño does not necessarily mean a complete lack of rainfall, but can instead alter normal rainfall patterns. However, he warned that higher temperatures linked to the phenomenon could lead to increased evaporation, making efficient water management essential.
“El Niño does not mean there will be no rain. It mainly affects rainfall patterns. However, temperatures are expected to rise, which can increase evaporation levels. Therefore, careful management of water resources is particularly important,” he said.
Dhanapala also requested farmers to begin preparations for the upcoming Maha cultivation season between October 01 and 15, in accordance with the Government’s planned timetable.
He explained that coordinated cultivation across irrigation schemes and farming areas would help reduce unnecessary water consumption and contribute to more efficient management of supplies during the dry period.
The Water Management Secretariat Director further urged the public to reduce wastage of both electricity and drinking water, noting that responsible consumption would help ease the impact of the anticipated weather conditions and protect essential resources.
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