The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) says it has no immediate plans to impose water supply restrictions anywhere in the country despite the prevailing El Niño-related dry conditions, adding that any such decision will depend on how the situation develops.
NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara said the board is continuing to operate at maximum water production capacity because neither the Department of Irrigation nor the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka — which manage the main reservoirs supplying drinking water — has so far restricted water extraction.
He said any future decision would depend on weather patterns, reservoir levels and instructions from the relevant authorities.
“If water levels decline significantly and the Irrigation Department or the Mahaweli Authority are required to limit water withdrawals, the NWSDB will consider introducing restrictions based on the situation at that time,” Bandara said.
The board has already begun preparations to cope with the current conditions, including work to improve existing tube well systems in order to increase groundwater extraction.
Bandara urged the public to use water responsibly, avoid wastage and limit consumption to essential purposes until conditions improve.
According to Department of Meteorology forecasts, dry weather has already affected the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala.
Bandara said rainfall is expected to return after September, but forecasts indicate the dry conditions will be felt more intensely during January, February, March and April 2027.
Sri Lanka imposed rotating water cuts earlier this year when levels at the Labugama and Kalatuwawa reservoirs fell during a prolonged dry spell.
