Feb 21, Colombo: Sri Lanka Water Supply and Drainage Board says that the water level of the Kelani river has declined due to the drought condition that prevails in the country causing severe problems to the water supply to the capital Colombo and suburbs.

Water Supply Board says that there is a risk of increasing salinity in drinking water due to the mixing of salt water and fresh water. The environmentalists blame the sand mining in the river for sea water flowing inland due to harmful dredging of the river bottom.

It is reported that the water consumption has increased during the recent times due to dry weather. Water Supply Board predicted interruptions to the water supply in the coming weeks if the drought would prevail.