August 2011: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has released an Issue Brief describing water management in Sri Lanka that stresses issues related to clean drinking water and identifies climate change as a possible exacerbating factor.

In particular, the brief examines issues related to irrigation, noting that demand for water may outstrip supply in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. The paper describes threats facing groundwater, irrigation systems, coastal freshwater sources, storage systems and watersheds. The paper calls for investment in both hard and soft water infrastructure, with consideration of climate change, population increases and urbanization. The authors call for adoption of “no regrets” options. IWMI is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [IWMI Water Issue Brief 7 – Sri Lanka: Issues and Opportunities for Investment]