The government yesterday announced a series of 24-hour water cuts in Colombo and surrounding areas, citing receding water levels in the Labugama–Kalatuwawa reservoir system as the reason.According to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), residents in Padukka, Homagama, and Pelanwatta will face water cuts over the coming days as authorities implement measures to manage the limited resources.

General Manager (Western Central) of the NWSDB, Disna Pannila, attributed the cuts to a decrease in the water levels of the Labugama–Kalatuwawa facilities. Padukka residents are scheduled to experience a 24-hour water cut from 8:00 p.m. on April 2 until 8:00 p.m. on April 3. Following this, uninterrupted water supply is expected to be restored for four consecutive days, before further scheduled cuts on April 7.

Similarly, Homagama will face a 24-hour suspension from 8:00 p.m. on April 3 to 8:00 p.m. on April 4, and Pelanwatta from 8:00 p.m. on April 4 to 8:00 p.m. on April 5. Continuous supply will be maintained for four days after each cut, with further intermittent restrictions planned on April 9.

Chairman of the NWSDB, Engineer Chandana Bandara, warned that the Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant – one of the main suppliers of clean drinking water to Colombo and its suburbs—currently has only about 20 days’ worth of water remaining. The Labugama Water Treatment Plant has approximately 50 days’ worth of water in reserve.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Bandara highlighted that water consumption has risen sharply due to the ongoing dry weather conditions and stressed that further restrictions on drinking water production may become necessary if the situation persists.

To manage the crisis, the NWSDB has appointed a special operations committee tasked with monitoring water supply, overseeing distribution, and coordinating resources between relevant sectors. The committee will conduct daily and weekly reviews of water sources, production capacities, and consumption patterns to prevent prolonged interruptions and ensure equitable distribution.

The Water Board urged the public to cooperate by using water strictly for essential purposes during this period. Officials emphasized that responsible consumption is critical to avoid severe inconvenience, maintain minimum service levels, and preserve limited water resources until reservoir levels recover.

The NWSDB said the ongoing measures aim to balance consumer needs with operational sustainability, ensuring that supply continues until normal water availability is restored.

Former Minister Mahinda Wijesekara passed away yesterday at the age of 83. Wijesekara, father of former Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, served as a Member of Parliament for the Matara District from 1989 to 2010 and held several ministerial portfolios during his political career.

In 2009, he was seriously injured in an LTTE suicide bomb attack that targeted a religious event in Akuressa. Although he survived the blast, he suffered long-term health complications following the incident.

Regarded as a veteran politician from the Southern Province, Wijesekara played a significant role in both local and national politics for over two decades. His funeral is scheduled to be held on Saturday (4).

The Education Ministry yesterday issued a directive to all schools prohibiting corporal punishment. The move follows recent court observations emphasising the need for clearer guidance for teachers and school administrators on maintaining discipline without causing harm.

In a circular issued to education authorities, the Ministry has stated that no student should be subjected to punishment for disciplinary or any other reasons. The directive warned that there would be zero tolerance for corporal punishment, and those found responsible could face legal action.

The circular references Circular No. 12/2016 issued on April 29, 2016, and instructs school authorities to take disciplinary measures under Establishments Code 461/2012, which governs public officials.

School principals and education officials have been instructed to maintain discipline while safeguarding students’ rights and wellbeing. The directive has been dispatched to provincial education authorities, school principals, education directors, and other relevant officials for immediate implementation across all schools.