The National Water Supply and Drainage Board has resolved a water quality issue at the Kelani River intake point with military assistance, allowing treatment plants to resume operations. Full restoration is expected within hours, though several suburbs may experience longer delays.
A temporary suspension of water supply affecting Colombo and Gampaha districts has been lifted following resolution of a water quality deterioration detected near the Kelani River intake point. The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) halted operations at the Ambatale and Kelani South Water Treatment Plants as a precautionary measure after the sudden quality issue emerged.
The situation has now been brought under control with assistance from the Tri-Forces. Laboratory testing, conducted in line with guidance from the Disaster Management Centre, confirmed that water quality has returned to acceptable standards for public consumption. The NWSDB has therefore cleared both plants to resume normal treatment and distribution operations.
The Board expects water supply to be restored to most affected areas within the next few hours as the system rebuilds pressure and delivery networks. However, residents in several outlying areas should anticipate extended wait times. Battaramulla, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Pamankada and Nugegoda are specifically identified as areas likely to experience delays in the full restoration of service.
Authorities have appealed for public patience and cooperation as they work to restore normal supply while prioritising consumer health and safety. The disruption underscores the vulnerability of supply systems dependent on river intake points, though the swift intervention prevented what could have been a more prolonged crisis.
