Sri Lanka to Launch Pilot Rainwater Harvesting Project

Sri Lanka is preparing to launch a pilot rainwater harvesting project to help meet increasing future water needs, according to Minister of Construction and Water Supply Dr. Susil Ranasinghe.

The Minister stated that the project will focus on making better use of rainwater for non-potable purposes, including gardening, landscaping, and washing vehicles.

Dr. Ranasinghe also raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the country’s water supply. He explained that the Western Region of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board currently serves around 1.3 million consumers. He questioned whether, over the next ten years, the Board would be able to treat and distribute enough water to satisfy increasing demand, and whether the Kelani River would continue to provide sufficient water resources to support those needs.

He further noted that Colombo experiences rainfall for most of the year, except for short dry spells, and stressed the need to collect and use rainwater in homes, government offices, and other institutions for everyday practical purposes.

Under the first stage of the programme, the government plans to install technologically advanced rainwater harvesting systems in at least 100 state institutions across the Colombo District. According to the Minister, the initiative is also intended to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving water.