Sri Lanka's National Water Supply and Drainage Board has restored water services to parts of the Western Province after confirming water quality met safety standards following a chemical discharge into the Kelani River.
Water supply to sections of Sri Lanka's Western Province has been restored after authorities determined that water quality remained safe and compliant with established standards. The National Disaster Management Center received notification late on August 24 that a chemical substance had been released into the Kelani River from a private factory situated near the Ambatale and Biyagama treatment plants.
In response to the incident, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board immediately suspended operations at both treatment facilities. Laboratory testing was subsequently conducted to determine whether contaminants had entered the Kelani River's water supply. Following recommendations from the Disaster Management Center and coordination with relevant security agencies, water supply resumed at approximately 4:30 am on August 25.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board stated that water quality is being continuously monitored to ensure consumer safety. The National Disaster Management Center and security forces are investigating the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the chemical release. Routine water sampling and testing by the board will continue to maintain oversight of water quality in the affected areas.
