Opinion

Water for people

Published

3 years ago

2022/03/22

By Dr. C S. Weeraratna
csweera@sltnet.lk

This article is intended to commemorate the World Water Day and the 25th Anniversary of Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum which falls on 22 March.

In Sri Lanka, rainfall is the primary source of water. The mean annual rainfall is around 1800 mm with areas such as Hambanthota and Mannar receiving only about 900 mm and some areas in the hill country receiving about 5,000 mm. The total amount of water received in the form of rain is around 100 billion cubic meters per year. Out of the total amount of water received by the island, around 40-60% escapes to the sea as run-off although we often speak of the famous dictum of King Parakramabahu I, according to which “let not even one drop of water that falls on the earth in the form of rain be allowed to reach the sea.

Around 500 million cubic meters of treated water is supplied to about 35% of the population with pipe-borne water by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. Water to around four million people, mostly in rural areas are supplied by rural pipe-borne water supply schemes which are managed by nearly 3500 Community Based Organisations (CBOs). These organisations comprise members of those families to be benefited and are responsible for the construction and maintenance of the water supply schemes. The water need of these supply schemes are met by village tanks, protected/unprotected shallow wells, deep wells with hand pumps or motorised pumps and rainwater.

Quality of water

A number of issues have been reported in studies conducted on the quality of water. In a study conducted covering nearly one million people in 20 DS Divisions it has been reported that nearly 45% of the people get water considered to be from unsafe water sources. Factors which cause water to be unsafe are a high content of Coliform bacteria, high iron or fluoride concentration. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKDu) which is widespread in 11 districts of the country is considered to be caused by water containing a toxic element/s. Eutrophication of surface waters from human and agricultural wastes and nitrification of groundwater from fertilisers also tend to affect the quality of water. Excess nitrate in water which makes it unsuitable for drinking has been reported in water in Kalpitiya and the Jaffna Peninsula.

In spite of the country receiving annually around 100 billion cubic meters of water, thousands of people, mainly in rural areas, do not get a regular supply of water. Hence, they have to walk a few km to collect water and even the water that is available is not pure. There are economic, environmental, social and cultural constraints associated with the provision of safe water. Women are the most affected from lack of access to safe drinking water since in a water scarce situations they spend a large part of their time in accessing water for domestic needs, thereby limiting their involvement in other, especially income-generating activities.

The Dept. of National Community Water Supply

Dept. of National Community Water Supply (DNCWS), which is under the Ministry of City Planning and Water Supply, was established to implement appropriate programmes to supply good quality water to rural communities by assisting the CBOs. The Dept. of National Community Water Supply is expected to facilitate and guide the CBOs to improve the community water supply systems and providing appropriate technical advice to sustain water supply by improving the water retention capacity of catchment areas. However, DNCWS appears to be ineffective in providing adequate support to the CBOs to sustain water supply to the people, indicated by situations where they have to walk a few kms to get water for their domestic use. Even what is available is of not good quality.

Water shortage:

The springs, or wells in the rural areas, which supply water, dry up during dry season causing severe shortage of water to the respective communities. This can be attributed to inadequate maintenance of the micro catchments of the water sources. There is little or no vegetation in the micro catchments of these water sources, and hence the soils dry up in a short period. Lack of vegetation in the micro-catchments causes most of the rain to run-off and relatively a small percentage of water to enter the soil. This amount of water is lost within a short period causing a water shortage. Hence, it is necessary that the micro-catchments are maintained properly.

The Dept. National Community Water Supply need to take action to provide an uninterrupted supply of good quality water to people. This will improve the health of rural and estate communities through adequate sanitation facilities and promoting better hygiene practices, and enhance their living standards by embarking on appropriate social and economic ventures.

Rainwater harvesting:

In view of the increasing demand for good quality water there is an urgent need to resort to alternatives. Rainwater is a very good alternative and relatively the most pure form of water. Harvesting rainwater is the collecting and storing of rainwater for reuse before it reaches the ground. Rainwater if collected and stored properly, can be used for all domestic purposes including drinking, and this practice enables people to obtain better quality water for consumption thus reducing incidence of water born diseases.

The Lanka Rain Water Harvesting Forum (LRWHF) was established in 1996 by a small group of interested persons from government and non-government institutions. LRWHF promotes the use of rain water for domestic purposes through information, communication, awareness raising, Since its inception this Forum has conducted research and develop further techniques for collection of rainwater and constructed around 6000 domestic RWH systems and about 200 school RWH systems in 10 districts. The Forum has supported around 49,000 RWH systems in the country through training and awareness raising indirectly. LRWHF have been able to participate and contribute in many events and publications related to rain-water harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a cost saving measure, as water in urban areas has to be paid for. The rainwater that falls on the roofs of extensive buildings such as hospitals, schools, housing complexes.,etc. in urban areas, can be collected in tanks in the premises itself. Water that falls on a roof of 1,000 sq m where the average annual rainfall is 2,000 mm, is around 2,000 cubic meters. The cost of water thus collected would be around Rs. 100,000.Once the collection system is installed, there is no additional cost involved except cleaning the roof regularly and on pumping of collected water to the main water supply system. It is because of the importance of rainwater harvesting, Dinesh Gunawardena, former Minister of Water Supply and Drainage assisted the Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum to promote rainwater harvesting in Sri Lanka.

Sustaining water supply:

The total amount of water received annually in the country remains almost constant, but the increase in demand for water has imposed a considerable strain on the water resources authorities. Lack of access to water in an agriculture, based rural economy, will inevitably impact adversely on the socio-economic well being of the community

In view of the fact that around 40% of the water received is lost as run-off water, it is essential that appropriate action is taken to reduce this loss. Strategies for conserving and protecting water sources are well described in the ” National Policy on Protection and Conservation of Water Sources, their Catchments and Reservations in Sri Lanka” formulated in Feb. 2014 by the Ministry of Land and Land Development. It is important that these strategies are implemented as early as possible, by the relevant authorities if we are to effectively address the issue of water shortage in the country.

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Opinion

LG polls, what a waste of money!

Published

2 days ago

2025/03/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

If the people of this country were asked whether they want elections to the local government, majority of them would say no! How many years have elapsed since the local councils became defunct? And did not the country function without these councils that were labelled as ‘white elephants’?

If the present government’s wish is to do the will of the people, they should reconsider having local government elections. This way the government will not only save a considerable amount of money on holding elections, but also save even a greater amount by not having to maintain these local councils, which have become a bane on the country’s economy.

One would hope that the country will be able to get rid of these local councils and revert back to the days of having competent Government Agents and a team of dedicated government officials been tasked with the responsibility of attending to the needs of the people in those areas.

M. Joseph A. Nihal Perera

Opinion

What not to do

Published

3 days ago

2025/03/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Trump and Zelensky arguing in the White House

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

It is immaterial whether you like him or not but one thing is crystal clear; Donald Trump has shown, very clearly, who is the boss. Surely, presidents of two countries are equal; perhaps, that is the impression Volodymyr Zelensky had when he went to the White House to meet Trump but the hard reality, otherwise, would have dawned on him with his inglorious exit! True, the behaviour of President Trump and VP Vance were hardly praiseworthy but Zelensky did what exactly he should not do. Afterall, he was on a begging mission and beggars cannot be choosers! He behaved like professional beggars in Colombo who throw money back when you give a small amount!!

Despite the risk of belonging to the minority, perhaps of non-Americans, I must say that I quite like Trump and admire him as a straight-talking politician. He keeps to his words; however atrocious they sound! Unfortunately, most critics overlook the fact that what Trump is doing is exactly what he pledged during his election campaign and that the American voters elected him decisively. When he lost to Biden, all political commentators wrote him off, more so because of his refusal to admit defeat and non-condemnation of his supporters who rioted. When he announced his intention to contest, it only evoked pundits’ laughter as they concluded that the Republican Party would never nominate him. Undaunted, Trump got the party to rally round him and won a non-consecutive second term; a feat achieved only once before, by Grover Cleveland around the end of the nineteenth century. His victory, against all predictions, was more decisive as he got more collegiate votes and, even though it does not matter, won the popular vote too which he did not get when he got elected the first term. Even his bitterest critics should accept this fact.

Zelensky was elected the president of Ukraine after the elected pro-Soviet president was deposed by a ‘peoples revolution’ engineered by the EU with the support of USA. After this, the EU attempted to bring Ukraine to NATO, disregarding the Munich agreement which precipitated the Russian invasion. He should have realised that, if not for the air-defence system which Trump authorised for Ukraine during his first term, Russian invasion would have been complete. It may well be that he was not aware as when this happened Zelensky may still have been the comedian acting the part of the president! Very likely, Trump was referring to this when he accused Zelensky of being ungrateful.

Zelensky also should have remembered that he disregarded requests from Trump, after his defeat by Biden, to implicate Biden’s son in some shady deals in Ukraine and that one of the last acts of Biden was to pardon his son and grant immunity to cover the alleged period. Perhaps, actions of the European leaders who embrace him every time they see him, as a long-lost brother, and invitations to address their parliaments has induced an element of the superiority complex in Zelensky that he behaved so combative.

Trump wanted to be the mediator to stop the war and spoke to Putin first. Instead of waiting for Trump to speak to him, egged on by EU leaders Zelensky started criticising Trump for not involving him in the talks. His remark “He should be on our side” demonstrated clearly that Zelensky had not understood the role of a mediator. His lack of political experience was the major reason for the fiasco in the White House and the subsequent actions of Trump clearly showed Zelensky where he stands! PM Starmer and President Macron seem to have given some sensible advice and he seems to be eating humble pie. In the process Trump has ensured that the European nations pay for their defence than piggy-backing on the US, which I am sure would please the American voter. By the way, though Macron talks big about defence France spends less than 2% of GDP. Trump seems vindicated. Of course, Trump could be blamed for being undiplomatic but he can afford to be as he has the upper hand!

Ranil on Al Jazeera

Zelensky has shown what not to do: instead of being diplomatic being aggressive when you need favours! Meanwhile, Ranil has shown what not to do when it comes to TV interviews. God only knows who advised him, and why, for him to go ‘Head to Head’ with Mehdi Hasan on Al-Jazeera. Perhaps, he wanted to broadcast to the world that he was the saviour of Sri Lanka! The experienced politician he is, one would have expected Ranil to realise that he would be questioned about his role in making Sri Lanka bankrupt as well, in addition to raising other issues.

The interview itself was far from head to head; more likely heads to head! It turned out to be an inquisition by Tiger supporters and the only person who spoke sense being Niraj Deva, who demonstrated his maturity by being involved in British and EU politics. The worst was the compere who seems keen to listen his own voice, reminding me of a Sinhala interviewer on a YouTube channel whose interviews I have stopped watching!

Ranil claims, after the interview was broadcast, that it had been heavily edited reduced from a two-hour recording. Surely, despite whatever reason he agreed to, he should have laid ground rules. He could have insisted on unedited broadcast or his approval before broadcast, if it was edited. It was very naïve of Ranil to have walked in to a trap for no gain. Though his performance was not as bad as widely reported, he should have been more composed at the beginning as he turned out to be later. Overall, he gave another opportunity for the Tiger rump and its supporters to bash Sri Lanka, unfortunately.

Medhi Hasan should watch some of David Frost interviews, especially the one with Richard Nixon, and learn how to elicit crucial information in a gentle exploratory manner than shouting with repeated interruptions. He does not seem to think it is necessary to give time for the interviewee to respond to his questions. I will never watch Al-Jazeera’s “Head to Head” again!

Ranil’s best was his parting shot; when asked by Hasan whether he would contest the next presidential election, he said “No, I will retire and watch Al-Jazeera and hope to see you better mannered”!

Opinion

Ajahn Brahm to visit SL in May 2025

Published

4 days ago

2025/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka (ABSSL) is pleased to announce that Ajahn Brahm will be visiting Sri Lanka for a short stay in May this year. Many, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, know him and have listened to his addresses made on earlier visits, including his 2023 public talk at the BMICH, which was attended by over 4,000 people.

Ajahn Brahmavamso, popularly known as Ajahn Brahm, is the Head Abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine, Perth. He was a pupil of the famous Thai forest monk Ajahn Chah, considered the best Theravada meditation teacher in the last century. By his own choice, Ajahn Brahmavamso shortened his name and was extra pleased that the initials represent the major religions of the world. He is renowned world-wide as an outstanding meditation bhikkhu, teacher and instructor, guiding thousands of practitioners.

As in previous visits, Ajahn Brahm’s schedule will be packed with addresses, meetings with senior professionals, business leaders, and researchers. This year, a special session has been included for teenagers and young adults.

The agenda planned for him includes:

Public address at the BMICH to all irrespective of religion and age; then to a younger audience.

· Exclusive Leadership Forum for senior professionals and business leaders.

· Forum with academics engaged in research at the Centre for Meditation Research, University of Colombo.

· A week-long meditation retreat for the Ven Sangha and experienced lay meditators.

Public Addresses

The public addresses will be on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, at the BMICH Main Hall and Sirimavo Halls; Ajahn Brahm moving from one hall to another so the entire audience sees him. Each hall will be well equipped with audio and video presentation. The first address: The Art of Meaningful Living, is designed for all, age notwithstanding, offering wisdom and practical insights for a fulfilling life. The second: Coping with Life Transitions and Emotional Challenges, is a special session tailored for teens and young adults, addressing key challenges faced by them in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. Both talks will be in English, with concise translation to Sinhala by Ven Damita Thera.

Exclusive Forums

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, two exclusive forums will be held at the BMICH Committee Room, Jasmine Hall. The first such session will be with eighty invited Sri Lankan academics and scientists engaged in research on meditation at the Centre for Meditation Research of the University of Colombo. This will be followed in the evening by an interactive session for a hundred invited senior professionals and business leaders, featuring a talk on leadership followed by a Q&A session.

Meditation Retreat

The most significant item on Ajahn Brahm’s programme will be a week-long meditation retreat at the Barberyn Waves Ayurveda Resort in Weligama. Focus is intended to be on the fifty members of the Ven Sangha. A limited number of experienced lay meditators will also have the opportunity to participate.

Participation & Registration

Those interested in attending the public talks at the BMICH are kindly advised to register at to secure free passes. For further information, please contact the Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka at .