Authorities blind to water crisis in Puttlam, Kilinochchi and Jaffna since 2015

COLOMBO (News 1st) - At a setting where the people around the country are suffering from power cuts, people from five districts are suffering even more due to the dry weather. Once prosperous districts of Puttalam, Kilinochchi and Jaffna had extremely dry weather today. Despite the hot sun the villagers have to walk miles to find water even to quench their thirst. One of the residents noted that they have to wait in a long time to pump water from tube wells all under the hot sun. Those who are capable, are forced to purchase water. Another villager noted that despite their complaints on the shortage of water supply in the dry season since 2015 authorities turned a blind eye. The fate of Jaffna district is not different from Kilinochchi. With crops drying up, their lives are pushed to a financially vulnerable state. Puttalam district has suffered the worst consequences. It was revealed that 27,901 people from 7795 families are affected and many are forced to buy water. One of the villagers noted that they had to pay Rs. 5-10 for a pot of water. He added that they are always deceived with false promises before elections.