A circular has been issued to ensure uninterrupted water supplies in areas affected by drought conditions that may arise due to a future El Niño phenomenon, Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi said today.
Speaking at a media briefing held to raise awareness of the potential impacts of the El Niño phenomenon on Sri Lanka, the Minister said the circular was issued by the Ministry of Defence on August 6, 2026.
According to Minister Patabendi, the circular introduces necessary amendments to existing laws and regulations to facilitate faster and more convenient interventions to provide water facilities to communities in drought-affected areas.
The measures are intended to strengthen preparedness and enable authorities to respond more efficiently to water shortages that could arise from severe drought conditions associated with El Niño.
The Minister said the initiative forms part of efforts to prepare Sri Lanka for the potential impacts of future El Niño events and their consequences on water availability.
