COLOMBO (News 1st); In response to the severe disruptions caused by recent floods and landslides, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has initiated urgent measures to restore water supply across several affected districts in Sri Lanka. The Board anticipates that services will return to normal within two days.
Chairman Eng. A.M.P.C.T. Bandara has confirmed that the Tri-Forces, along with the Irrigation Department, the Road Development Authority, and the Ceylon Electricity Board, have been mobilized to expedite the necessary repairs and restoration efforts. While districts such as Galle, Anuradhapura, Matale, and Ratnapura have already seen a return to normalcy, challenges remain in other areas.
Efforts to Mitigate Water Supply Disruptions
Despite the widespread disruptions, major water sources in the Western Province, including Ambatale, Labugama, Kalatuwawa, and Biyagama, have remained unaffected. The potential risk posed by the overflow of the Kelani River to water treatment plants and pumping stations has also diminished, allowing for a more focused restoration effort in other regions.
However, significant damage has been reported in the Kandy District, where several treatment plants and pumping stations were submerged. This has led to ongoing water supply interruptions in parts of Tissamaharama, Kataragama, Badulla, Bandarawela, Welimada, Ampara, North Central, Northern, and North Western Provinces. The NWSDB assures that these areas will be prioritized for swift restoration.
Expert Opinions and Strategic Collaborations
According to water management experts, the collaboration between the Tri-Forces and civil authorities is crucial in such emergency situations. Dr. Nalin de Silva, a water resource specialist, emphasized the importance of a coordinated response, stating,
“The integration of military resources with civil engineering expertise accelerates the recovery process and minimizes the impact on affected communities.”
The strategic collaboration also highlights the importance of infrastructure resilience in the face of natural disasters. Historical parallels can be drawn with previous flood events in the region, where similar joint efforts proved effective in restoring essential services.
Looking Ahead: Building Resilience
This development follows a series of discussions on improving the country’s infrastructure resilience to natural disasters. The move represents a proactive approach to not only address immediate challenges but also to enhance future preparedness. The NWSDB’s commitment to restoring services swiftly is a testament to the ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s water supply systems.
Meanwhile, the government is considering long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters. This includes potential upgrades to water infrastructure and the implementation of advanced flood management systems. As the recovery process continues, the focus remains on ensuring the sustainability and reliability of water supply across the nation.
The announcement comes as a relief to many, with the NWSDB pledging to keep the public informed of progress and any further developments. As restoration efforts proceed, the resilience and cooperation demonstrated by Sri Lanka’s Tri-Forces and civil authorities serve as a model for effective disaster response.
