Sri Lanka Prepares for El Niño Impact as Weather and Energy Concerns Rise

Sri Lanka is stepping up preparations to manage the expected effects of the El Niño phenomenon, with authorities warning that weather patterns, energy generation, and key economic sectors could face challenges in the coming months.

The Department of Meteorology announced that El Niño is expected to begin influencing the country’s weather from next month. Director of Forecasting Merril Mendis stated that the phenomenon is likely to affect the Southwest Monsoon, while El Niño conditions have already formed over the Pacific Ocean and are expected to continue at varying levels for around 11 months.

As part of preparedness efforts, a discussion focused on increasing awareness and identifying measures to respond to the possible weather-related impacts of El Niño is scheduled to take place today at the Department of Meteorology.

Representatives from 20 key sectors, including irrigation, the Mahaweli Authority, disaster management, agriculture, agrarian development, and water supply, are expected to participate in the meeting.

Meanwhile, concerns have also emerged over the possible effect of El Niño on the country’s energy supply.

Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka told Parliament that the Ministry of Energy estimates the phenomenon could lead to a reduction of 127 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in electricity generation supplied to the national grid in the coming months.

The Minister stated that the Energy Ministry has already held discussions on alternative measures and evaluated steps needed to manage the expected impact on the sector.

He added that the government is prepared to respond to possible developments, noting that the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Plantation have separately reviewed measures related to the anticipated conditions.

The statement came in response to concerns raised by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP D.V. Chanaka, who questioned whether sufficient programmes had been developed to address the effects of El Niño.

The MP argued that energy generation had already faced setbacks due to substandard coal and warned that reduced hydropower output linked to El Niño could worsen the situation.

He further cautioned that the phenomenon could affect both food production and energy generation, urging clarity on the government’s preparedness strategy.