With the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, 22 Divisional Secretariat divisions across seven districts have been affected, Environment Minister Dammika Patabendige said.
He said 25,563 families, comprising 81,605 individuals, are currently facing hardships due to the dry weather.
The Minister noted that drinking water has already been supplied to around 20,000 families, following discussions with Divisional Secretaries.
He further stated that ministries and departments are working in coordination under a national operational plan to mitigate the impact, with the dry spell expected to last until the end of September.
According to the Minister, rainfall is anticipated from October through December, with heavier showers than usual expected during the second inter‑monsoon season. Awareness programs for farmers have begun, and cultivation activities are being encouraged.
Looking ahead, drought conditions are forecast for February–April 2027, with measures planned to collect water during rainy periods, manage reservoir levels, and renovate tanks during dry spells.
Minister Patabendige stressed that the government has not abandoned these issues, urging collective action and caution against exaggerating disaster reports.
He added that Sri Lanka is also influenced by other climatic phenomena, including the Indian Ocean dipole, which has had a favorable effect.
Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that seven districts have been affected, with 23 Divisional Secretariat divisions hit by dry weather.
The DMC reported that 25,628 families (81,865 individuals) are impacted, and drinking water distribution has been organized for 20 divisions, reaching 23,048 families (72,153 individuals).
The largest relief effort has been in Monaragala District, where water has been supplied to 10,264 families (33,023 individuals) across seven divisions.
In Batticaloa District, 9,547 families (28,523 individuals) in eight divisions have received water, while in Ampara District, 2,537 families (7,882 individuals) in two divisions have been assisted.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, with both the Environment Ministry and DMC coordinating relief measures, water distribution, and farmer awareness programs. (Newswire)