Sri Lankan authorities held a third meeting to assess readiness for potential El Niño impacts, with focus on water supply distribution to drought-affected regions and sector-specific response measures.
A special ministerial sub-committee and officials' committee convened at the Presidential Secretariat to evaluate the government's preparedness for the anticipated El Niño climate phenomenon. Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi chaired the meeting, which brought together senior officials from multiple sectors including housing, trade, and water resources management.
The committees reviewed action plans submitted by agriculture, plantation, wildlife, and water resources sectors, all considered particularly susceptible to El Niño-related weather disruptions. A central concern addressed during discussions was ensuring adequate drinking water supplies to communities experiencing current dry conditions, particularly in Batticaloa, Monaragala, and Ampara districts. The committees decided that water distribution would be coordinated through District Secretaries, with officials to receive detailed briefings on implementation arrangements.
Government officials also considered contingency measures should dry conditions intensify and groundwater levels decline further. Recent meteorological forecasts concerning El Niño were reviewed alongside strategies to shield vulnerable economic sectors from potential adverse effects. Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. Susil Ranasinghe and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe attended the session.
The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining public awareness through media communication regarding developments related to the El Niño phenomenon and its expected impacts on the country.
