With the forecast pointing towards El Niño conditions later this year, State authorities in charge of water, agriculture, and irrigation are assessing potential impacts and implementing strategies to manage resources, anticipating reduced rainfall leading to drought conditions.
National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Chairman Chandana Bandara stated that the board had already conducted discussions on necessary measures and begun several programmes to mitigate the effects of the expected weather conditions later this year.
He noted that while July and August were typically dry months, authorities were optimistic that ongoing monsoon rains would assist in maintaining water levels in the major reservoirs in the Western Province – Labugama and Kalatuwawa.
However, according to Bandara, the NWSDB intends to increase groundwater extraction and explore new groundwater sources across the country as a preventative measure.
“We expect to improve some groundwater extraction methodologies. We are also arranging to improve more wells, both in the Western Province and other areas. Altogether, with the Department of National Community Water as well as the Water Board’s groundwater and rural water sections, we are trying to develop groundwater sources significantly,” he said.
Bandara further said that the NWSDB intended to reduce its reliance on surface water sources such as rivers by boosting the utilisation of groundwater resources, noting that increasing groundwater extraction would be an alternative strategy to maintain water supplies.
He also noted that the NWSDB had launched awareness programmes to encourage water conservation among the public.
“With our Environmental and Social Division, we have started some awareness programmes to utilise water. These programmes are being carried out in schools, universities, hospitals, Government institutions, religious places, and other public locations where we have identified the most water-wasting points,” he said.
Bandara noted that the board anticipated the most difficult phase to occur between late July and early September and was currently preparing for this possibility.
However, he emphasised that there was no intention of imposing water restrictions or revising water tariffs.
“We are not planning on imposing water cuts or revising water tariffs at the moment. Without resorting to tariff increases or water cuts, we are trying to develop other methodologies to face this situation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture Director General Dr. Thushara Wickramaarachchi said that a detailed assessment of El Niño’s probable agricultural implications was currently being prepared.
He added that the department’s Natural Resources Management Centre was analysing the forecast weather conditions and their potential impact on agricultural production. A complete report is to be submitted within the following days.
“The Natural Resources Management Centre is preparing a detailed report on this matter, including how El Niño and its weather parameters will impact agricultural production,” Dr. Wickramaarachchi said.
The Department of Irrigation, however, claimed that no major concerns had arisen at present regarding water supply for the ongoing Yala cultivation season.
“Currently, there is no major issue with water regarding the activities for the Yala season. After that, we plan for the Maha season based on the upcoming rains. It is planned based on the December rainfall,” Irrigation Department Director – Water Management Eng. P.S.D. Herath said.
According to the Department of Meteorology, El Niño conditions are expected to emerge between June and August and last until early 2027. The department has warned that the phenomenon might drastically restrict rainfall in July and August, raising the risk of drought conditions throughout the country.
It was said that El Niño typically lasts between nine and 12 months, meaning its effects could persist in Sri Lanka until February 2027 if it develops this year, with a 40% probability of it developing into strong El Niño in November, December, and January.