Steps taken to tackle El Niño-driven Monaragala water crisis, says Deputy Minister

Steps are being taken to continuously provide drinking water and water for other needs to the people of the Monaragala district due to the prevailing El Niño situation, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security and Monaragala District Coordinating Committee Chairman R. M. Jayawardena says.

Necessary steps are being implemented to maintain a continuous supply of water for consumption and daily activities of the people of the Monaragala district who are deprived of fresh water due to the prevailing El Niño situation, said Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security and Monaragala District Coordinating Committee Chairman R. M. Jayawardena.

The Deputy Minister mentioned that expediting the Kumbukkan Oya reservoir project as a long-term solution to the water problem in that area is one of the main objectives of the government.

The Deputy Minister added that multiple measures are being taken in collaboration with relevant sectors to face the water shortage that could arise due to climate change and dry weather conditions.