More than 115,000 people across Sri Lanka are struggling with a shortage of drinking water as rising temperatures, inadequate rainfall and an emerging El Niño weather pattern intensify dry conditions in several parts of the island nation. Authorities have warned that the continuing spell of hot and dry weather is placing increasing pressure on water resources, with the impact extending beyond households to agriculture, wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.
Sri Lanka’s Meteorology Department Director General Ajith Wijemanna said an El Niño condition was developing and could be contributing to the prevailing weather pattern. El Niño is a periodic warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean that can influence weather conditions across different parts of the world. Sri Lankan authorities are closely monitoring the developing phenomenon because of its possible impact on the country as the dry spell continues.
Data from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) showed that 115,586 people in seven of Sri Lanka’s 25 administrative districts had been affected by the prevailing weather conditions. Of these, 115,534 people were specifically facing a shortage of drinking water, according to DMC official Pragith Danansuriya. The figures highlight the scale of the water crisis and the growing pressure on authorities to ensure adequate supplies for communities in affected regions.
The shortage has been particularly evident in reservoirs and other water bodies, where levels have fallen significantly because of the prolonged lack of rainfall. In the north-central Anuradhapura district, the Eruwewa reservoir, which has a storage capacity of around 3,500 acre-feet, has reportedly seen its water level decline to approximately 1,000 acre-feet. Water levels have also dropped in several other locations, including Matale in the central region and Nandikadal in the northeast.
The deteriorating water situation is also having consequences for Sri Lanka’s natural environment. In the northeastern Mullaithivu area, thousands of small fish have reportedly been found dead in a lagoon. Officials have attributed the deaths to the mixing of seawater and freshwater, a situation that can become more pronounced when water levels and ecological conditions are disrupted by prolonged dry weather.
Wildlife is also being affected as natural water sources in several areas continue to dry up. With fewer sources available, wild animals are being forced to move in search of water. The changing conditions could increase pressure on ecosystems and bring animals closer to human settlements as they search for alternative sources.
The agricultural sector is facing another major challenge from the worsening drought. Crops such as paddy, coconut, banana and guava have reportedly suffered damage because of inadequate water availability. A prolonged shortage could further affect farmers who depend on reservoirs and other water sources for irrigation, particularly in areas already experiencing significant declines in water levels.
The situation has raised concerns over how long existing water reserves will be able to support communities if dry conditions persist. The combination of high temperatures and limited rainfall has increased demand for water at a time when supplies are declining, making management of available resources increasingly important.
There is, however, some hope of relief. Meteorology Department officials have indicated that rainfall could begin returning in some areas toward the end of September. If the expected rain arrives, it could help replenish reservoirs and natural water sources while providing some relief to farmers, communities and wildlife. Until then, authorities continue to monitor the situation as Sri Lanka deals with the effects of an increasingly severe dry spell and the possible influence of El Niño.
