A special ministerial sub-committee and officials’ committee have reviewed preparedness measures for the potential impacts of El Niño.

The committees, chaired by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi, focused on action plans for agriculture, plantations, wildlife and water resources.

A key decision was to provide drinking water to communities affected by dry weather, particularly in Batticaloa, Monaragala and Ampara.

The committees also reviewed measures to address further dry conditions and falling groundwater levels.