Sri Lanka sets up crisis team to manage water shortage

Sri Lanka has set up a special operations committee to manage a worsening drinking water shortage, as prolonged dry weather strains supply across the country.

The committee, appointed by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and led by chairman Chandana Bandara and general manager T. Barathithasan, will oversee water distribution and manage limited resources as reserves decline.

According to local media reports, the team will continuously monitor water sources, production capacity and supply patterns, with daily and weekly assessments to respond to emerging risks and maintain supply continuity.

The move comes as key water treatment facilities serving the capital, Colombo, approach critically low levels. The Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant is estimated to have about 20 days of water remaining, while the Labugama plant has around 50 days’ supply.

Authorities warned that rising consumption, driven by the dry conditions, is accelerating depletion and placing further strain on production capacity.

Officials said restrictions on drinking water production may be introduced if the situation persists, as current consumption levels are unsustainable.

A 24-hour water cut has already been announced for parts of Colombo due to limited availability.

The newly established committee is expected to implement measures to ensure more efficient distribution of available water, with the aim of preventing prolonged daily outages and maintaining minimum service levels until water sources recover.

Authorities have also urged the public to limit water use to essential activities to ease pressure on the system and avoid more severe disruptions in the coming weeks.

Source: GNA