EnvironmentGeneralEconomyHOTSunday, April 12, 2026

Sri Lanka Considers Artificial Rain Amid Extended Drought Warning Until September

TLDR

Met Department warns of severe drought until September due to El Niño.
Strict water management is crucial; high temperatures expected through April.
Artificial rain (cloud seeding) is being considered to combat drought.
Foreign assistance would be required for cloud seeding implementation.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning that Sri Lanka could experience a prolonged drought extending until September if El Niño conditions develop during the upcoming southwest monsoon season. Speaking at a media briefing at the Government Information Department on April 9, Additional Director General Ajith Wijemanna emphasized the critical need for strict water management across all sectors, including drinking water supplies and irrigation systems. The prevailing high temperatures are expected to continue throughout April, with some relief anticipated only after the southwest monsoon begins, likely around late May. However, an El Niño event could significantly reduce rainfall during June, July, and August, exacerbating water scarcity risks.

Story Update

Update #2\u00b7 Apr 19 · 12:32 AM

The Department of Meteorology is now considering artificial rain (cloud seeding) as a measure to combat the severe drought conditions, which are predicted to continue until September due to the El Niño effect during the Southwest Monsoon. Officials indicate that assistance from another country would be required to implement artificial rain, and past experiments on the technique have been conducted in Sri Lanka. The department emphasizes the need for formal and modern scientific methods given Sri Lanka's island geography.

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