Sri Lanka Warned of Strong El Niño Threat

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Meteorology has warned that Sri Lanka could experience the effects of a strong El Niño event, while urging the public to use water resources prudently.

The department has advised residents across the country to conserve water and manage existing resources carefully.

Meteorological experts have noted that the El Niño phenomenon, which is known to trigger unusual weather patterns worldwide, has already begun developing in the Pacific Ocean region.

They cautioned that although the phenomenon remains at a weak level at present, it has the potential to strengthen gradually in the coming months.

Director of Forecasting at the Department of Meteorology, Meril Mendis, said the likelihood of the phenomenon developing into a stronger El Niño event remains high.

"In the coming period and beyond, there is a strong possibility that it could develop into a more intense El Niño condition. We do not believe a severe water shortage will occur. However, the most important factor is the prudent use of the water resources currently available. We believe that through proper management, we will be able to cope with the situation. This is because we expect rainfall conditions to improve after October under the influence of the El Niño phenomenon," he said.

Questions have also been raised over whether El Niño could affect water consumption and supply in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the matter, Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr. Susil Ranasinghe said current reservoir levels remain sufficient to ensure uninterrupted water distribution in the near future.

"Even if there is no rainfall for the next three months, the water currently stored in the Labugama and Kalatuwawa reservoirs would be sufficient to maintain a continuous water supply during that period. Likewise, based on the current water levels in the Kelani and Kalu rivers, forecasts indicate there will be no immediate risk to water supply operations in the Western Province over the next two months. According to the current situation, we are in a position to move forward without major concern," the minister said.

Meanwhile, Disaster Management Centre Director General Retired Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda recently informed the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) that preparations are already underway to respond to possible El Niño-related impacts.

"We expect a dry spell lasting around two months. We have already been informed that our reservoirs currently contain sufficient water. If challenges arise in supplying water for agriculture, our priority will be ensuring drinking water supplies. We are preparing all districts for that possibility. Water bowsers and water resources have already been identified and mapped. Using historical data on dry spells experienced in Sri Lanka, we have carried out detailed mapping and preparedness measures," he said.

The government says it is also taking a coordinated approach to prepare for any escalation of El Niño conditions.

Explaining the government's readiness, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe said a special ministerial subcommittee had already been appointed to monitor and respond to developments.

"A ministerial subcommittee has been appointed to coordinate the response to El Niño. As a government, we are preparing for it. With the involvement of all ministries and heads of institutions, we are making preparations to face any worsening situation. Government institutions and departments are being equipped to respond to any eventuality. We believe that, as a government, we are prepared for this challenge," he said.

Authorities maintain that while no immediate threat to water supplies has been identified, close monitoring of weather conditions and coordinated preparedness efforts will continue as global El Niño conditions evolve.