Due to an extended period of drought, certain regions including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kurunegala are currently facing water supply restrictions.
An official from the National Water Supply and Drainage Board confirmed this, stating that water supply in these areas is limited for a few hours. The Deputy General Manager, Anoja Kaluarachchi, mentioned that water supply in Colombo and Gampaha Districts is unaffected due to available water for the next two months. The Department of Meteorology predicted that the dry spell will conclude by mid-October.
To address the situation, water is being distributed via bowsers, with over 300 available from the Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Disaster Management Centre. It’s anticipated that around 54,000 water schemes have been impacted, and approximately 55,000 more are likely to be affected soon.
Anoja Kaluarachchi highlighted challenges associated with the dry spell, such as seawater entering tanks and reservoirs near the coast, as well as declining water quality. She assured that efforts have been made to minimize these effects.