Sri Lanka’s National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has warned that water supply may be restricted for several hours a day over the next two to three weeks if dry conditions continue.

NWSDB Chairman Chandana Bandara said treatment plants, including the Ambatale facility, are currently operating at full capacity, but high-elevation areas are already experiencing low water pressure.

He urged the public to conserve water and avoid non-essential use, including washing vehicles and watering gardens, warning that continued strain on the system could necessitate scheduled supply interruptions.

Bandara said rainfall is expected in the coming weeks, but until then, water bowsers are being deployed to areas facing shortages. He stressed that available supplies must be prioritised for essential daily needs, particularly drinking water.

The NWSDB said maintaining a continuous 24-hour supply may not be feasible under prevailing weather conditions and appealed to consumers to use water sparingly.