The Irrigation Department has reported that the total water capacity stored in reservoirs across the country has dropped to around 47.3 percent due to prevailing dry weather conditions. 

Irrigation Director (Water Management) H. M. P. S. D. Herath said that the major reservoirs under the department’s control currently hold 34.4 percent of capacity.

He noted that reservoirs in the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee are at particularly low levels, averaging around 20 percent. 

Despite this, Herath assured that the available water is sufficient to complete the ongoing Yala cultivation season and to meet drinking water needs in reservoir‑dependent areas until the next rainfall.

With hot weather intensifying evaporation losses, the department has urged farmers and communities to use water sparingly for both cultivation and drinking purposes.

Herath further stated that plans for the upcoming Maha cultivation season are being prepared. 

He explained that decisions on starting the season will be taken at cultivation meetings, based on the water levels available at the time, with the aim of commencing Maha cultivation as early as possible. (Newswire)

The post Reservoir water levels drop to 47% amid dry weather appeared first on Newswire.

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board announced that compensation payments for crop damages caused by the prevailing dry weather began today (04), with affected farmers in the Polonnaruwa District receiving funds directly into their bank accounts.

Officials confirmed that compensation for farmers in other districts will be completed before September 15. The Government has already allocated Rs. 3,000 million for this relief effort.

Dry conditions in Hambantota, Ampara, Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Monaragala have damaged paddy, maize, and other crops. Following farmer reports, officials inspected fields, assessed losses, and initiated payments.

Nearly 7,500 farmers have been affected, with around 8,000 acres of farmland damaged. Compensation is being provided for six crops, maize, big onion, potato, soya, and chili, at Rs. 100,000 per hectare, up to a maximum of five acres per farmer.

Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has instructed that payments be expedited to ensure farmers receive relief before the next cultivation season. (Newswire)

The post Compensation payments begin today in Polonnaruwa for drought‑hit farmers appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has warned that if El Niño conditions develop during the southwest monsoon season, Sri Lanka could face a prolonged drought lasting until September.

Speaking at a media briefing held today (09), Additional Director General of Meteorology Ajith Wijemanna stressed the need for strict water management across all sectors, including drinking water and irrigation, under such circumstances.

He noted that the prevailing hot weather is expected to continue throughout April, with some relief anticipated after the southwest monsoon begins around May 20. 

However, he cautioned that significant easing of the current heat may only occur by the third week of May.

Wijemanna further explained that if El Niño persists during the southwest monsoon, rainfall in June, July, and August could be reduced, extending dry conditions until September.

He urged authorities and the public to pay special attention to water conservation and management in the coming months. (Newswire)

The post El Niño could trigger prolonged drought until September – Met Dept appeared first on Newswire.

One person has been reported dead and one missing due to various disasters reported as a result of inclement weather experienced in Sri Lanka from 25 February to 02 March 2025.

According to the Disaster Management Centre, 716 persons from 176 families in four districts have been severely affected due to adverse weather conditions.

Meanwhile, 3834 persons from 1282 families in two districts have been severely affected due to drought conditions.

According to the DMC, people in the Ratnapura and Kalutara Districts have been severely affected by the drought. (Newswire)

The post Adverse weather : Situation summary appeared first on Newswire.

The Ministry of Water Supply will take measures to address the impact of the ongoing drought in several districts, Minister of Water Supply Jeevan Thondaman stated.

Taking to ‘X’, the minister stated that the steps are being taken together with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Department of National Community Water Supply.

“In order to address the impact of the ongoing drought in several districts, my Ministry together with the @NwsdbOfficial, and the Department of National Community Water Supply, will be visiting drought-affected districts in the coming weeks,” he said. 

Stating that the goal of the initiative is to gain firsthand insights, understand district-specific challenges, and work together to find swift solutions, Minister Thondaman added that an official schedule will be published soon.

“In this critical time, your input is invaluable. Please share with me in the comments section how the drought is affecting the water supply in your town or district. Your insights will aid our understanding and response strategy better,” he requested from the public. 

Minister Thondaman pointed out that while responding to this drought, each individual can play a vital role in conserving water. 

The minister has made a five-point suggestion to the public to help conserve water. The suggestions are as follows;

1. Fix Leaks : Check and repair any leaks in your home, as even small drips can add up over time. 
2. Shorter Showers: Aim for shorter showers to save water. Every minute counts.
3. Collect  Rainwater : Utilise rain barrels or containers to collect rainwater for non-drinking purposes like gardening. Avoid unnecessary watering. 
4. Turn Off Taps : While brushing teeth, washing hands or dishes, turn off the tap when not in use. 
5. Spread Awareness: Educate friends and family about water conservation and inspire them to take action too. 

“By collectively embracing these practices, we can alleviate the strain on our water resources and ensure a more consistent water supply during this challenging period. I thank everyone for their patience and support,” Minister Thondaman added. (NewsWire)

The post Prevailing water shortage: Five-point suggestion to Save Water appeared first on Newswire.

Authorities have warned of possible drought conditions in several parts of Sri Lanka.

Officials from the National Water Supply and Drainage Board stated that the water levels of nearly 6000 rivers and reservoirs have receded to a great extent due to drought conditions.

The officials stated that as drought conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days, this may result in an impact on the production of electricity via hydropower.

They also pointed out that the current weather conditions have severely hampered farming activities in the nation.

Stating that Sri Lanka is expected to receive rain only from October, the officials requested the public to use water sparingly. (NewsWire)

The post Drought : Water level of nearly 6000 reservoirs affected appeared first on Newswire.