COLOMBO, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka has issued a circular to help ensure uninterrupted water supplies in areas that could face drought conditions linked to a future El Nino event, Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi said on Thursday.
Speaking at a media briefing on the potential impact of El Nino, Patabendi said the circular, issued by the Ministry of Defense on Aug. 6, introduces changes to existing procedures to allow authorities to act more quickly when providing water to communities affected by drought.
The measures are intended to improve preparedness for possible water shortages caused by severe dry conditions associated with El Nino, the minister said.
Patabendi added that the initiative forms part of broader government efforts to prepare the country for future El Nino-related impacts on water availability. ■
