The Disaster Management Centre reports that more than 81,000 people from nearly 26,000 families across seven districts are facing hardship due to ongoing dry weather conditions, with emergency water distribution programmes now underway.

The prevailing dry weather has created a humanitarian challenge affecting multiple regions of Sri Lanka. According to the Disaster Management Centre, approximately 81,765 people from 25,628 families across seven districts have been impacted by the drought-like conditions. Monaragala district has experienced the most severe effects, with 33,023 people from 10,264 families reported as affected. The other affected districts include Ampara, Badulla, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, and Hambantota.

In response to the crisis, authorities have implemented drinking water distribution initiatives across 20 Divisional Secretariat divisions within the affected districts. The Disaster Management Centre reports that these programmes have already reached 72,053 people from 23,048 families, though this represents a portion of those in need of assistance.

Concerns about extreme heat have prompted additional warnings. The Department of Meteorology has issued heat advisories for ten districts across the country, covering the Eastern and North Central Provinces alongside Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Monaragala. The meteorological department has cautioned that the heat index—the temperature as perceived by the human body—is expected to reach levels requiring precautions in some areas during daytime hours. Public health authorities have advised residents to minimize strenuous physical activities, seek shade when possible, and maintain adequate hydration.