The water level of the historic Parakrama Samudraya in Polonnaruwa has dropped sharply amid prolonged dry weather conditions, worsened by the prevailing El Niño phenomenon.
The receding waters have exposed the ruins of the historic Seethamaligaya as well as several small islets that are normally submerged. The severe drop in water levels has also affected aquatic life, with fish deaths and strong odours reported in the Elahera area, where low oxygen levels have been observed.
Residents in Medirigiriya and surrounding areas are facing an acute shortage of drinking water, while farmers have suffered significant crop losses due to the lack of water for cultivation.
The drought has also affected wildlife. Wild elephants have reportedly been moving closer to populated areas in search of water as natural water sources continue to dry up.
Similar conditions have been reported in other parts of the country. In Monaragala, the Buttala Yudaganawa Reservoir has reportedly dried up, with cracks appearing across its exposed bed.
Meanwhile, authorities in Badulla have begun supplying drinking water by bowsers to residents of Sirimalwatta and Kalawatta villages affected by the shortage.
The Department of Meteorology has warned that the prevailing El Niño conditions are expected to strengthen significantly between October and November.
While the current conditions are contributing to dry weather in several parts of the country, the strengthening El Niño pattern could later bring heavy rainfall and increase the risk of flooding.
Authorities are therefore closely monitoring reservoir levels and weather conditions as the country faces the possibility of a sharp transition from drought to heavy rains.
The Water Management Secretariat has released updated information on water storage levels in major reservoirs, while authorities have announced that compensation for crops damaged by the drought will be distributed within the next two weeks.
An estimated 80,000 to 85,000 acres of farmland have been affected, adding to concerns among farmers already struggling with severe water shortages.
