Sri Lanka Prepares for El Niño Impact; President Leads Strategy Talks With National Agencies

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired a high-level discussion today (11) at the Presidential Secretariat focusing on the anticipated impacts of the El Niño weather phenomenon and the country’s readiness to face potential challenges.

The meeting brought together key state institutions including the Department of Meteorology, Irrigation Department, Central Environmental Authority, Mahaweli Authority, Disaster Management Centre, Lanka Electricity Company, and the National System Operator.

During the discussions, extensive attention was given to the possible effects of El Niño on food security, drinking water availability, and energy supply, three sectors identified as most vulnerable to climate-driven disruptions.

Officials reviewed current reservoir storage levels and assessed strategies required to manage pressures across agriculture, power generation, and water distribution systems in the months ahead.

Experts indicated that the emerging El Niño conditions could resemble patterns observed during the 2016–2017 period, prompting authorities to prepare accordingly.

As part of early adaptive measures, it was revealed that steps have already been taken to commence the 2026 Yala cultivation season approximately one and a half months earlier than usual, in an effort to mitigate risks associated with irregular rainfall.

Ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, maintaining agricultural productivity, and protecting national food security were highlighted as immediate priorities during the meeting.

The President instructed relevant institutions to develop and present comprehensive action plans to guarantee water management for both power generation and farming needs, while also safeguarding drinking water supplies for the public.

Addressing the meeting, President Dissanayake expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s ability to manage the potential challenges posed by El Niño, pointing to the country’s recent experience in handling crises such as Cyclone Ditwah and external pressures including instability in the Middle East.

He emphasized that just as Sri Lanka successfully navigated previous challenges, the nation is capable of managing this emerging global climate threat with proper planning and coordination.