Sri Lanka is no stranger to weather extremes. Floods and droughts have long been part of our climate cycle. Yet the dry conditions now unfolding under the influence of El Niño serve as a reminder that climate events are becoming more severe, more unpredictable and more damaging. The prolonged absence of rain is not just an environmental concern anymore. It is rapidly becoming an economic, social and public health crisis that demands urgent action from both the Government and the public.
The most immediate concern is water. Reservoirs are falling, streams are drying up and many rural communities are already struggling to access clean drinking water. For families living in drought-prone areas, securing enough water for daily needs often means travelling long distances or relying on bowser deliveries. Even in urban areas where taps may still be running, there is no guarantee that supplies will remain uninterrupted if dry conditions persist.
Water scarcity extends well beyond drinking. Farmers who depend on irrigation face shrinking harvests as paddy fields crack under the sun and vegetable cultivation becomes increasingly difficult. Livestock suffer from the lack of grazing land and drinking water, affecting milk and meat production. These losses eventually reach every household through rising food prices and shortages of essential produce.
The energy sector is equally vulnerable. Sri Lanka has long relied on hydro-electricity to supply a significant share of its power. As reservoir levels decline, hydro generation inevitably falls, forcing greater dependence on thermal power. This increases fuel imports, places additional pressure on already strained public finances and raises the possibility of higher electricity costs. At a time when the country is still navigating economic recovery, every additional burden matters.
The health implications of prolonged dry weather are often underestimated. High temperatures and dehydration can be dangerous for everyone, but particularly for young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those living with chronic illnesses. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke become genuine risks when temperatures remain elevated over extended periods.
Children are especially vulnerable because they dehydrate more quickly than adults. Schools must ensure students have access to safe drinking water throughout the day, while parents should encourage children to remain hydrated and avoid excessive outdoor activity during the hottest hours. The elderly, particularly those living alone, require close attention as they may not recognise the early signs of dehydration or heat-related illness until their condition becomes serious.
Dry weather also creates favourable conditions for several diseases. Limited water often forces people to store water in containers around their homes, increasing the risk of mosquito breeding if those containers are not properly covered. While drought may appear incompatible with mosquito-borne diseases, poor water storage practices can contribute to outbreaks of dengue. Dust-filled air may worsen respiratory illnesses such as asthma, while poor water quality resulting from dwindling supplies increases the risk of waterborne diseases in vulnerable communities.
Beyond health lies the human cost of lost livelihoods. Thousands of Sri Lankans depend directly on weather-sensitive occupations. Farmers, fishermen operating in affected inland waters, construction workers, plantation labourers and many informal sector workers face reduced incomes when prolonged dry conditions disrupt normal activity. Small businesses that depend on agricultural production also suffer. The result is fewer working days, lower household incomes and greater financial uncertainty for families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
The Government therefore has a critical responsibility. Water management must become a national priority rather than a seasonal response. Reservoir levels should be closely monitored and water releases carefully managed to balance drinking water needs, agriculture and electricity generation. Authorities must ensure that water bowsers reach vulnerable communities promptly and fairly. Public health authorities should strengthen awareness campaigns on hydration, heat-related illnesses and dengue prevention. Hospitals and clinics must also be prepared for an increase in patients affected by heat and dehydration.
Support for farmers should include timely financial assistance, access to drought-resistant crop varieties, efficient irrigation technologies and practical agricultural advice can help reduce losses. In the longer term, investment in rainwater harvesting, water recycling and improved irrigation infrastructure will be essential as climate variability becomes the new normal rather than the exception.
The public also has a vital role to play. Every household should treat water as the precious resource it is. Simple actions such as repairing leaking taps, avoiding unnecessary water use and collecting rainwater whenever possible can collectively make a significant difference. Communities should ensure that stored water is properly covered to prevent mosquito breeding, while neighbours should check regularly on elderly residents who may need assistance during periods of intense heat.