National Drinking Water Policy.

This National Drinking Water Policy provides a framework for addressing the key issues and challenges facing the water supply sector in the provision of safe water supply to the people of Sri Lanka. The goal is set up as: The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to the provision of adequate quantity of safe drinking water to the entire population at an affordable cost and in an equitable, efficient and sustainable manner.
A holistic approach for water source, water shed and catchment protection will be adopted to prevent pollution depletion of the resource to ensure adequate supply of water through proper environmental conservation. Strategies proposed in the Document include: 1. Public awareness programmes will be carried out by the stakeholders on water shed, management and catchment protection, to protect the sources from encroachments, misuse and pollution. 2. Effective public awareness programmes will be carried out regularly to promote and ensure water demand management and conservation. Conservation will also include rainwater harvesting and use, reclaim and reuse, prevention of pollution, and use of alternate sources for non-consumptive purposes. 3. Promote incentives for conservation and efficient use of resources through appropriate measures consistent with other policies and programmes.
While recognizing that access to safe drinking water is a basic right of every citizen, the Policy contributes to rural poverty reduction through strategies such as: An adequate quantity of drinking water at affordable cost will be available to all; Establish or adopt accepted standards to maintain basic water services to affected population during disasters; A lifeline requirement will be available to the poor through a subsidies targeted to the poor; Financial sustainability principles will apply uniformly across the country; etc.
The Document seeks to ensure maintenance of basic water for drinking and hygienic purposes during emergencies caused by disasters. Proposed strategies include: Promote incorporation of disaster preparedness in the water supply sector at District level and coordinate with other relevant agencies, such as Disaster Management Center and District Administration to mobilize resources; Coordinate all activities during emergencies to provide relief assistance to affected population; Promote awareness of all service providers regarding the established institutional structure at national and district level for the management of disasters.