The country is currently experiencing a dry spell, with reservoir levels depleting due to minimal rainfall in the early months of the year. Such conditions are typical during the period of January to March, but the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts due to climate change have raised questions about the country’s preparedness.
Addressing growing public concerns over water security in Sri Lanka, Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Director General Udaya Herath stated: “No famine is anticipated in the near future.”
He acknowledged that slow-onset drought conditions could lead to water shortages in some areas, particularly in regions where saltwater intrusion threatened freshwater sources.
“We are already distributing water to affected areas through Divisional Secretariats and ensuring that schools have access to drinking water. These include areas such as Eheliyagoda in Ratnapura, Matugama in Kalutara, and others,” he said.
Herath emphasised that while the situation was not as alarming compared to previous years, authorities were preparing for worst-case scenarios.
The impact of drought extends beyond immediate water consumption needs, affecting agriculture, irrigation, and food production. Sri Lanka’s staple crops, particularly rice and vegetables, rely heavily on predictable monsoon patterns. Disruptions to these cycles can threaten yields, exacerbating food security concerns and increasing market prices for essential commodities.
“We are strengthening our response mechanisms to ensure that any emerging drought-related crisis can be managed efficiently. To achieve peak efficiency, we need to have consistent coordination with affiliated agencies, which includes our regular meetings with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB),” Herath stated.
Agricultural resilience
The agricultural sector, which depends heavily on consistent water supply, is particularly vulnerable to droughts. Herath however reassured that there was no immediate threat of a food shortage.
In the event of a disaster, Sri Lanka’s policies for the agriculture sector emphasise minimising disruption to food production and supporting affected farmers.
The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) integrates agricultural resilience through measures such as promoting drought-resistant and flood-tolerant crops to mitigate the effects of natural calamities.
“Preparedness plans are prioritised, including early warning systems and community-based risk management, in order to ensure timely action during floods, droughts, or other emergencies,” Herath said.
Relief measures, such as subsidies for seeds, fertilisers, and financial assistance, help farmers recover from losses and resume cultivation. Additionally, capacity-building programmes train farmers in sustainable and adaptive practices, enhancing their ability to withstand adverse conditions.
These policies are complemented by research and technological advancements focused on developing resilient agricultural techniques and securing food supply chains during disasters. Together, the measures aim to protect livelihoods and sustain food security in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
Water distribution plans
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne stated that a meeting had been arranged in Peradeniya on Thursday (27 February), where farmers, Government institutions, and other stakeholders had met to discuss the supply of water for agricultural purposes.
“Given Sri Lanka’s water production levels and concerns such as kidney diseases caused by poor water quality, we have asked stakeholders to present their grievances, propose solutions, and provide recommendations.
“Based on this discussion, we will determine how agricultural water will be allocated, conserved, and released in case of a drought. Additionally, we will establish a schedule for water release to support agricultural cycles and identify when such releases should be halted.
“Water distribution will be prioritised in key agricultural regions, particularly the North Central, Eastern, Southern, and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, with special attention to areas like Embilipitiya, Chandrika Wewa, and Udawalawe.
“In the Uva Province, Monaragala and Mahiyanganaya are primary concerns, while in the North Western Province, Kurunegala and Puttalam require special focus. These regions rely heavily on agriculture, so ensuring an adequate water supply for them is a priority,” he explained.
Karunaratne added: “Since paddy cultivation requires the most water, if resources are limited, we will implement a segmented allocation strategy to minimise wastage. In practical terms, if there are 2,000 acres of farmland but water is insufficient for full-scale paddy cultivation, only 1,000 acres will receive water. In cases of severe scarcity, we may have to deprioritise paddy cultivation in favour of other agricultural sectors that require less water.”
The unpredictability of climate change necessitates proactive strategies. Accordingly, the Department of Agriculture is promoting drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation methods to mitigate risks.
Ensuring water security
Water is central to Sri Lanka’s economic and social stability, playing a crucial role in agriculture, irrigation, electricity generation, and household consumption.
NWSDB Assistant General Manager Vajira Thiranagama highlighted that drinking water was the top priority in times of crisis. “During a crisis, drinking water is the priority, as per a 2023 Cabinet decision,” she stated, referencing the formalised Water Resources Policy.
Despite concerns about declining water levels in reservoirs, Thiranagama reassured that the situation was being monitored closely. However, she warned that extreme drought conditions may necessitate intermittent water supply.
“Our treatment plants, particularly in the Western Province, are operating at 5-6% above normal capacity, so we do not have a problem as of now. However, if we endure a prolonged dry spell, we may be compelled to urge the public to conserve water by limiting non-essential usage such as for gardening and washing vehicles,” she warned.
To ensure fair water distribution, the NWSDB coordinates with the Mahaweli Authority, the Irrigation Department, and the DMC through weekly water panel meetings. This inter-agency collaboration ensures that water allocation is adjusted as needed to balance drinking water, irrigation, and energy production requirements.
Long-term water security depends on sustainable usage and infrastructure upgrades. The NWSDB is focusing on two main areas: improving water conservation efforts and expanding alternative water sources.
“Groundwater usage for the Water Board’s production is minimal compared to surface water, but droughts affect these sources as well,” Thiranagama explained.
Meeting energy demand
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) faces a dual challenge of meeting energy demands while ensuring sustainability. “Reservoir levels may deplete in these times, but we have forecast this,” said CEB Spokesperson Dhammike Wimalaratne. According to him, Sri Lanka’s energy planning accounts for seasonal droughts.
The country’s electricity generation is derived from a combination of renewable and non-renewable sources.
Hydropower remains the dominant contributor, accounting for approximately 55% of the total energy mix, with major hydroelectric plants playing a pivotal role in meeting Sri Lanka’s energy needs. Coal-fired power plants contribute about 34%, representing a significant portion of the energy supply, although there is growing momentum toward cleaner energy.
Thermal oil-based power generation adds another 15% to the mix, while renewable sources like wind and solar energy are steadily growing, accounting for 6% and 5%, respectively. Additionally, biomass contributes around 1% and municipal solid waste-based energy production makes up less than 1%.
With the Government aiming to increase the share of Renewable Energy (RE) to 70% by 2030, these alternative sources are expected to play an increasingly vital role in the country’s energy landscape.
During daytime, solar power significantly eases the burden on hydroelectric plants. “Currently, there exists about 1,450 MW of solar capacity, from which we expect around 1,000 MW to be available during peak sunlight hours,” Wimalaratne explained.
However, the country must depend on thermal power plants fuelled by naphtha and heavy fuel at night, which are costlier alternatives.
“We follow an agreement with the Mahaweli Authority to ensure that water is used efficiently, especially since power generation through hydro reservoirs is not the top priority in the event of a drought.
“Drinking water, irrigation, and environmental needs take precedence. Therefore, in the event of a drought, only 20% of our power generation comes from hydro during day time and about 35-40% during night time,” he noted.
While the nation’s power supply remains stable, Wimalaratne acknowledged the financial impact. “If the reservoirs spill over, hydroelectric generation costs will drop. However, when we have to conserve water, we rely more on thermal power, which increases costs. This, in turn, affects electricity tariffs, as the CEB is a cost recovery entity rather than a profit-making organisation,” he said.
One of Sri Lanka’s key strategies in tackling energy challenges is expanding its RE portfolio. “Hydropower is a renewable energy source, but it is seasonal,” Wimalaratne pointed out.
To complement this, Sri Lanka is investing heavily in solar and wind energy. “With more solar capacity coming online, we can further reduce our dependence on hydro during dry months,” he added.