Sri Lanka is set to introduce a pilot project on rainwater harvesting in a bid to address the rising future demand for water, Minister of Construction and Water Supply, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, has announced.
The Minister stated that the initiative is being planned with a focus on effectively utilising rainwater for non-drinking purposes, including garden landscaping and vehicle washing.
Dr. Ranasinghe raised concerns regarding the sustainability of water supply in the coming years. He noted that within the Western Region of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board alone, there are approximately 1.3 million consumers. He questioned whether, over the next decade, the Water Board would have the capacity to treat and supply sufficient volumes of water to meet the growing demand, and whether adequate water resources would remain available in the Kelani River to support this requirement.
The Minister further pointed out that Colombo receives rainfall throughout most of the year, except for brief dry periods. He emphasized the importance of capturing and utilising this rainwater in households, government institutions, and other settings for practical uses.
As part of the initial phase of the project, the government plans to establish rainwater harvesting systems equipped with advanced engineering technology in at least 100 state institutions within the Colombo District. He added that this initiative is also intended to send a broader message to the public on the importance of water conservation.
