The National Water Supply and Drainage Board announced that water supply has been restored to normal after an emergency suspension caused by concerns over water quality at the Kelani River intake point.

The suspension, which affected several areas in Colombo and Gampaha districts, was triggered by a chemical substance released into the environment by a private factory. 

Speaking to the media, Water Board Chairman Chandana Bandara said the supply was halted as a precaution until tests confirmed whether pollutants had entered the water.

The incident occurred at 11.30 pm yesterday (24), prompting the temporary shutdown of the Ambatale and Biyagama water treatment plants to safeguard public health. 

Chemists from the Board immediately began investigations, while water samples from multiple points along the Kelani River were tested throughout the night.

By 4.30 am today, after confirming the river’s water quality was safe, production and distribution resumed at both treatment plants.

The Disaster Management Center and security forces are conducting a wider investigation, while the Board has lodged a complaint with police, he said.

Relevant institutions have been notified to pursue legal action against those responsible.

Bandara stressed that all conditions have now returned to normal, assuring residents that water supply is safe. (Newswire)

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Minister of Water Supply Susil Ranasinghe says the current water levels in the Labugama and Kalatuwawa reservoirs are adequate to ensure uninterrupted supply for the next three months, even if no rainfall is received during that period.

Speaking to the media, the Minister noted that while forecasts under El Niño conditions suggest drier‑than‑expected weather in August and September, experts from the Water Supply Board have confirmed that the reservoirs’ present capacity is sufficient to meet demand.

He added that no decision has been taken on imposing water cuts, and authorities expect no risk within the next two months.

However, Ranasinghe cautioned that changing weather patterns could alter the situation. (Newswire)

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Director of Irrigation (Water Management) Engineer H.M.P.S.D. Herath has called on the public to use water sparingly, noting that the 80 reservoirs under the Irrigation Department currently hold 48 percent of total capacity.

Speaking to the media, Herath assured that existing resources are sufficient, with cultivation for the Yala season already completed. 

He emphasized that water supplies for communities dependent on reservoirs for drinking water remain secure.

The Director added that rainfall expected in October and November would further replenish reserves, reducing the risk of shortages.

Even in the event of low rainfall, he said, reservoirs contain adequate volumes to meet daily needs. (Newswire)

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The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) handed over three vital water and sanitation facilities to the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council and community members this week (12).

According to the UN-Habitat Sri Lanka, this concludes an impactful four-year, multi-sector, community resilience project in partnership with UN-Habitat and the Government of Sri Lanka.

These facilities were established by UN-Habitat together with the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council as part of the USD 5.5 Mn KOICA project “Strengthening Socioeconomic Resilience of Communities Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Central and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka”.

Implemented by UN-Habitat Sri Lanka from 2022-2026 in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla Districts, the overall project benefited 106,000 people through health, agriculture and water and sanitation interventions. These included the upgrading of 47 field maternal and child health care centres, establishment of 11 community water supply schemes, upgrading of three hospital sewerage facilities, including hospital waste management systems, establishment of 20 polytunnels and 16 rain shelters for farmers, and provision of home gardening support to 200 households.

Deputy Country Director of KOICA Sri Lanka Office, Yunsoo Jeon officially handed over the improved water purification facility in Haddon Hill, the water recycling facility at Lake Gregory and the upgraded community sewerage system at the Srinagar settlement. 

The Mayor of Nuwara Eliya, Upali Wanigasekara, the Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, K.P.K.N. Alagalla, Government Agent, Badulla, Sunil Galagama, Commissioner of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, Bandara, and Country Programme Manager of UN-Habitat Sri Lanka, Harshini Halangode, senior officials from the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council and the KOICA Sri Lanka office were present at the events. 

Discussing the successful conclusion of the project, Deputy Country Director of KOICA Sri Lanka office, Yunsoo Jeon, said: “This project reflects KOICA’s continued commitment to supporting inclusive, resilient, and people-centred development in Sri Lanka. Beyond responding to the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative was designed to strengthen long-term community resilience by improving access to essential services, enhancing institutional capacities, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.”

UN-Habitat Country Programme Manager, Harshini Halangode, extended her appreciation to all project partners and community members for their dedication, insights, and commitment towards implementing the project. She further stated, “We are grateful to our funding partner, KOICA. Your timely support made it possible for us to reach vulnerable communities and create impact where it was most needed.”

A lessons learned workshop was also held in Nuwara Eliya on the same day with key project partners and community members to discuss and document the good practices and lessons learned from the project. (Newswire)

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Water supply disruptions have been reported in parts of Colombo, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Matara, and Kandy due to ongoing dry weather, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said.

Falling reservoir levels have led to increased water distribution via bowser trucks, and the public is urged to conserve water.

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) reported rising power generation costs, with more thermal and fuel oil plants in operation.

The Norochcholai Power Plant is running at full capacity, while hydroelectric power contributes 20% of daytime and 40% of nighttime electricity generation. (Newswire)

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Water supply has been disconnected to the guards’ division at former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official residence on Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo 07, it was reported.

According to media reports, the water supply has been disconnected due to the failure to settle an outstanding bill amounting to Rs. 300,000. 

However, the water supply to the area in the property in which the former president resides has not been affected.

A representative of the former President said the water bills for the said property are paid by the Presidential Secretariat. (Newswire)

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Obstacles have been faced in providing continuous water supply as a result of the prevalent dry weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka at present, according to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.

The Water Board said the situation has arisen due to an increase in the current demand for daily water supply.

“As a result, measures have been taken to restrict water supply or provide under low pressure to certain areas,” a Water Board spokesman said.

The Water Board has also requested the public to use water sparingly due to the dry weather experienced in the country. (NewsWire)

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