Sri Lanka has the capacity to effectively manage its water resources despite the expected El Niño conditions, according to Engineer Nilantha Dhanapala, Director of the Water Management Secretariat.
He made these remarks at a special media briefing titled "El Niño Conditions and Their Possible Impacts on Sri Lanka," held today (July 23) at the Government Information Department.
Dhanapala stated that reservoirs managed by the Water Management Secretariat are currently at 57% of their storage capacity, while reservoirs used for hydropower generation are at 54% capacity. Reservoirs under the Mahaweli system currently hold around 60% of their storage capacity, while those managed by the Department of Irrigation stand at approximately 58%.
He said authorities expect to maintain the Mahaweli system's water storage at around 59% by the end of the Yala cultivation season, adding that sufficient water reserves are also expected to remain in other reservoirs.
According to Dhanapala, water management plans have already been prepared through September 30, 2027, taking into account forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Commenting on electricity generation, he noted that hydropower normally accounts for about 25% of Sri Lanka's annual electricity demand, with the current contribution standing at 23%. Wind power contributes around 28%, while renewable energy sources—including hydro, solar, and wind—collectively account for approximately 49% of the country's electricity generation.
He emphasized that renewable energy resources are being managed efficiently and assured that there will be no disruption to electricity supply for industries or other sectors.
Dhanapala also said that the necessary water management programs are already in place to ensure a stable supply of drinking water. He further stressed that if farmers adopt appropriate technical methods and follow planned cultivation schedules, there should be no shortage of irrigation water for agricultural activities.
