Sri Lanka is grappling with severe drought conditions that have been exacerbated by below-average rainfall in the first half of 2023 and dwindling water levels in reservoirs. The National Disaster Relief Service Centre (NDRSC) has reported that nearly 150,000 individuals spread across 10 districts are facing dire shortages of safe drinking water.

Hardest hit by the crisis are the districts of Jaffna, Ampara, and Batticaloa, which collectively account for a staggering 85% of the affected population. Residents in these regions are grappling with a scarcity of water for daily use, posing significant challenges to their well-being.

In addition to the human toll, the agricultural sector has been severely impacted. Approximately 50,000 farmers are grappling with the devastating consequences of insufficient irrigation water in reservoirs. This situation has prompted farmers in the southwest to stage persistent protests, urging authorities to address the pressing need for water to sustain their crops.

In response to the crisis, local authorities have taken measures to distribute drinking water to 128,431 people residing in the most affected districts. As the situation remains critical, collaborative efforts between government bodies, relief organizations, and local communities become increasingly vital to alleviate the hardships inflicted by the ongoing drought.