No water cuts for now as reservoir levels can meet three months of demand, says Minister

By The Pulseline News Desk

The Government has ruled out the immediate need for water rationing, with Water Supply Minister Susil Ranasinghe assuring that current reservoir levels are sufficient to maintain an uninterrupted supply for at least the next three months, even if rainfall remains below expectations.

Speaking to the media, Ranasinghe said the Labugama and Kalatuwawa reservoirs, which supply a significant portion of the Greater Colombo area, currently hold enough water to meet consumer demand despite forecasts of dry weather linked to El Niño conditions.

According to the Minister, assessments by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) indicate that the existing storage capacity is adequate to withstand an extended dry spell expected during August and September.

He stressed that the Government has not taken any decision to impose water cuts, adding that officials do not anticipate any immediate risk to water supplies over the next two months.

The assurance comes amid growing public concern over the possibility of water restrictions as several parts of the country continue to experience below-average rainfall.

However, Ranasinghe cautioned that the situation remains weather-dependent, noting that any significant changes in climatic conditions could affect reservoir levels and require authorities to review their response.

Sri Lanka has experienced increasingly erratic rainfall patterns in recent years, with prolonged dry spells placing additional pressure on water resources. Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to use water responsibly, particularly during periods of reduced rainfall, while continuing to monitor reservoir levels and weather forecasts closely.

For now, the Government maintains that existing reserves are sufficient and that consumers should not expect disruptions to the water supply in the coming weeks.