The government is taking the necessary steps to strengthen water management in anticipation of possible El Niño conditions in the coming months, the Minister Housing Construction and Water Supply, Susil Ranasinghe has stated.
The Minister said a coordinated mechanism involving all institutions responsible for water management has been established to ensure effective preparedness and response.
Speaking further on the matter, Minister Ranasinghe noted that while Sri Lanka typically experiences dry weather during July and August, this year's dry spell could be more severe than usual.
He added that although the northeast monsoon is expected to begin around mid-September, rainfall during September may be below normal. However, rainfall is forecast to increase during October, November, and December.
The Water Supply Minister said the government has already held discussions with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Irrigation, Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), and electricity officials to develop the best possible water management strategy to address the expected conditions.
He further stated that all relevant institutions have been instructed to prepare their response plans, which will be reviewed again on July 20.
