• Colombo’s water treatment plants operating normally so far

There has been no impact on water treatment plants supplying Colombo and its suburbs, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said, with all plants operating normally as of yesterday (29) evening. None of the facilities under the board have sustained any damage.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, NWSDB Deputy General Manager Eng. L. Wijesinghe clarified that all treatment plants were fully operational and capable of delivering clean, safe drinking water, eliminating any current need for residents to boil or store water.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing announced measures to provide clean drinking water to residents across Colombo and its suburbs using water bowsers, with the support of the NWSDB.

The initiative comes as the country faces severe flooding. 

Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath confirmed the severity of the situation, stating: “Our water sources are in crisis. More than 50% of our water sources are submerged by now.”

He added that the NWSDB was actively distributing water via bowsers and supplying bottled water to camps housing people displaced by the floods.

With water levels in the Kelani River gradually rising, concerns have been raised over the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara told the media yesterday (29) that water supply across the Western Province was currently being maintained without issue, while warning that any disruption to Ambatale’s operations could put Colombo City’s water supply at significant risk.

Addressing Ambatale specifically, Deputy Minister Sarath said the plant had faced minor operational challenges but had not been severely damaged. “Our major concern is to prevent any harm to the plant. Regardless of the severity of the issue, we are determined to restore it within the next two days.”

On obstacles in water distribution, Sarath acknowledged some logistical challenges, noting: “The roads are damaged, some trenches have collapsed, and fallen trees are blocking access in certain areas.”