Drinking water problem likely due to sea water seepage

1 April 2026 10:59 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 2 Bookmark

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Colombo, April 1 (Daily Mirror) - The Irrigation Department yesterday warned of possible drinking water problems in some areas as sea water is seeping into the Kelani, Kalu and Nilwala Rivers due to decreased water levels.

Irrigation Director (Hydrology and Disaster Management) Engineer L.S. Suriyabandara said there is a possibility of sea water seeping into the Kelani, Kalu and Nilwala Rivers due to the prevailing dry weather, which could obstruct drinking water supply.

He urged people to use water sparingly under the current circumstances.

Suriyabandara said the water levels in the main rivers have gone down in both wet and dry zones adding that however, 73 reservoirs have water levels exceedinG 75 percent at present and stressed that water used for irrigation purposes must also be used sparingly.

"Water in the reservoir will be sufficient for agricultural activities. We hope to release water for this season as we expect some rain in April and May. If there is shortage of water in the latter part of the season, we can use that water," he said.

Suriyabandara said more water has to be released for hydropower generation as well due to the increased electricity usage these days. "We request people to use electricity and water sparingly these days," he said.

Comments - 2

R Navaratnam Wednesday, 01 April 2026 01:47 PM

The word "possibility" of sea water seepage indicates Suriyabandara is clueless. J I will encourage Irrigation Department to carryout studies and come up with mitigation measures rather than asking public to use water sparingly. Irrigation Department: I am very disturbed by the capability of Engineers in your organization

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Waterman sl Wednesday, 01 April 2026 06:26 PM

Why can't these overpaid 'civil servants' use the tiny brains they have.? We need more water infrastructure such as water resrviours and rain water harvesting methods. We cannot resolve tvd potable water issue by managing below the budget line.

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