Sri Lanka on Alert as ‘Very Strong’ El Niño Threatens Water, Farming and Daily Life

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is facing what officials describe as one of the most intense El Niño events in decades, with authorities warning of immediate water shortages, prolonged dry conditions and the possibility of significantly increased rainfall later this year.

Speaking on the current situation, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi said a special committee appointed to mitigate the effects of El Niño met on August 17 to review prevailing climatic and weather conditions and assess forecasts for the months ahead.

According to the Minister, the committee concluded that the El Niño phenomenon has strengthened from a strong event to what is now approaching a “very strong” El Niño category. He noted that experts believe the current situation could be among the most severe experienced in approximately 75 years.

Dr. Patabendi said authorities have already identified several districts facing challenges related to drinking water and irrigation supplies. He emphasized that conditions have not affected entire districts but are concentrated in specific Divisional Secretariat and Grama Niladhari divisions.

Among the districts experiencing impacts are Ampara, Monaragala, Batticaloa, Ratnapura, Badulla and Matale.

The Minister added that arrangements have already been made to provide drinking water to affected communities through bowsers and other emergency measures to ensure uninterrupted access to essential supplies.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Department of Meteorology Ajith Wijemannage said the ongoing El Niño conditions are expected to suppress rainfall through the remainder of August and much of September, particularly in the Northern, Eastern, North Central and Monaragala districts.

According to meteorological forecasts, the dry conditions are expected to persist over the coming weeks before beginning to change toward the latter part of September.

Wijemannage said historical analysis of previous El Niño events indicates that Sri Lanka is likely to receive above-normal rainfall during October and November, with wetter conditions expected to continue into December.

He noted that rainfall levels could increase further in December with the onset of the Northeast Monsoon season, potentially bringing significantly wetter weather to many parts of the country.