Joint national programme planned to mark World Water Day 2027

A joint national programme to mark World Water Day 2027 is planned, coordinated by the Presidential Secretariat and the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat.

A special discussion on the initiative was held recently at the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, chaired by Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Susil Ranasinghe. The programme is to be implemented under 14 objectives, with the participation of all stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s water sector. Its primary aim is to provide a platform for collectively identifying solutions to current issues and future challenges facing the sector.

The objectives include promoting integrated water resources management, strengthening coordination among institutions involved in the water sector, raising public awareness of water conservation and protection, emphasising the importance of safe drinking water and sanitation, and protecting rivers, tanks, wetlands and groundwater resources. The programme will also focus on recognising the outstanding contributions of professionals, researchers and organisations working in the water sector.

The discussion considered holding the main commemorative event on 23 March 2027 at Waters Edge Hotel in Colombo. A World Water Day celebration week is also scheduled to be declared alongside the event. As part of the celebrations, a national exhibition highlighting innovation, technology, sustainable practices and the institutional role of the water sector is also planned.

Several priority areas will be in focus, including water quality, health and safety, water management and technology, innovation and economic development, wastewater management, water reuse, heritage and food security. Plans are also in place to establish national-level committees and subcommittees covering these areas, with the aim of identifying existing issues in the water sector and finding solutions.

During World Water Day celebration week, each institution is expected to conduct programmes covering various aspects of its respective area of responsibility.

The discussion was attended by Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka) S. P. C. Sugeeshwara, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Nadeeka Wickramasinghe, Director General of the Ministry of Water Supply S. L. H. Gamage, Director of the Department of National Planning Disna Ranasinghe and other officials.