President seeks contingency plans as El Niño threat rises

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake 

• Raises concerns over food, water and power security
• Officials warn anticipated El Niño conditions could resemble 2016-2017 episode
• Reservoir management identified as critical to mitigating potential impacts

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday directed relevant agencies to strengthen preparedness measures and submit detailed contingency plans to mitigate the potential impact of an anticipated El Niño weather event, amid concerns over its possible implications for food security, water resources, and energy generation.

The discussions, held at the Presidential Secretariat, brought together senior officials from key institutions including the Department of Meteorology, Department of Irrigation, Mahaweli Authority, Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Vidulijanana Lanka Ltd., and National System Operator Ltd., to assess the country’s readiness for a possible climate-related shock.

Officials briefed the President on forecasts indicating that the expected El Niño conditions could resemble those experienced during the 2016-2017 period, which was marked by significant disruptions to rainfall patterns and water availability.

Against that backdrop, discussions focused on the potential impact on agricultural production, drinking water supplies, and electricity generation, sectors regarded as particularly vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions.

Particular attention was given to current reservoir water levels and the need for coordinated water management strategies to balance competing demands from irrigation, domestic consumption, and hydropower generation.

Officials informed the President that water management plans had already been formulated and that authorities had taken steps to commence the 2026 Yala cultivation season approximately one and a half months earlier than usual in an effort to mitigate potential disruptions.

The meeting also examined measures required to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in the months ahead, maintain agricultural output, and safeguard national food security.

President Dissanayake instructed officials to prepare and submit detailed plans covering electricity generation requirements, irrigation water allocation for forthcoming cultivation activities, and the protection of drinking water resources.

The discussion comes at a time when Sri Lanka remains vulnerable to climate-related shocks despite recent improvements in macroeconomic stability, with agriculture, hydropower generation, and water security continuing to play a critical role in overall economic performance.

Addressing officials, the President expressed confidence in the country’s ability to manage the challenge, noting that Sri Lanka had successfully navigated the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and recent global disruptions arising from tensions in the Middle East.

He stressed that timely planning and effective implementation would be essential to minimise economic and social disruptions should El Niño conditions materialise as forecast.

Among those attending the meeting were Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Department of Meteorology Director General A.L.K. Wijemannage, Department of Irrigation Director General Kithsiri Weligopolage, Mahaweli Authority Director General H.M.K.K. Herath, CEA Chairman Prof. Tilak Hewawasam, and DMC Acting Director General Brigadier D.D.G.A. Jayawardena.