COLOMBO, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's National Water Supply and Drainage Board has appointed a special operations committee to manage the worsening drinking water shortage as dry weather conditions continue to strain supply across the country.
The committee, appointed by board chairman Chandana Bandara and general manager T. Barathithasan, has been tasked with overseeing water distribution and managing limited resources as water levels decline and production capacity weakens, local media reported on Thursday.
The committee will continuously monitor water sources, production capacity and supply patterns, with daily and weekly reviews to assess conditions and respond to emerging risks. It will also coordinate with relevant sectors and submit management reports to support operational decisions and maintain supply continuity.
The move comes as key water treatment facilities supplying the capital Colombo approach critically low levels. The Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant has about 20 days of water remaining, while the Labugama plant has around 50 days' worth of supply. Authorities warned that rising consumption, driven by prolonged dry weather, is accelerating the depletion of available resources and could lead to further strain on production capacity.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board indicated that restrictions on drinking water production may be required in the near future if conditions persist, as current consumption levels are not sustainable against declining reserves. In response to the shortage, a 24-hour water cut has been announced for certain areas in Colombo due to limited availability.
Officials said the newly appointed committee will implement measures to manage and distribute available water more efficiently, with the aim of preventing extended daily interruptions and maintaining minimum service levels until water sources recover. The public has been urged to limit water use to essential activities to reduce pressure on the system and avoid severe disruptions in the coming weeks. ■
