Sri Lanka's Special Ministerial Sub-Committee met for the third time to coordinate responses to El Niño-related drought conditions affecting multiple districts, with focus on water distribution and sector protection measures.

A coordinating committee comprised of government ministers and officials gathered at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday to address escalating challenges posed by the El Niño climate phenomenon. The meeting, chaired by Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi, marked the third session of the Special Ministerial Sub-Committee and Officials' Committee established to manage the climate event's consequences.

The discussion centered on action plans submitted by key sectors expected to face direct impacts at community level, including plantation, agriculture, wildlife, and water resources management. Particular urgency surrounded drinking water distribution arrangements for drought-affected districts including Batticaloa, Monaragala, and Ampara. Officials determined that water delivery programmes would be coordinated through District Secretaries, with relevant authorities to be informed of implementation details.

The committee also examined contingency strategies should dry conditions intensify and groundwater reserves diminish further. Forecasts from the Department of Meteorology regarding El Niño's trajectory informed the discussions, alongside programmes designed to protect vulnerable economic sectors. Officials emphasized the need for coordinated public communication through media channels to keep citizens informed about developments.

Attendees included Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr Susil Ranasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.