Impact of Climate Change Projections on Water Resources in Sri Lanka

Climate projections for Sri Lanka indicate significant warming, erratic precipitation patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events, leading to floods and droughts. These changes are expected to have a severe impact on the country’s water resources, exacerbating water stress. This chapter examines the climate change projections and their implications for Sri Lanka’s water resources. Results indicate that rising temperatures will have the greatest impact on the Northern, North Central, and Eastern provinces. Precipitation patterns are changing across the country. The Western, Sabaragamuwa, Northwestern, and Southern provinces are projected to experience higher cumulative precipitation, thereby increasing flood risks. Increased rainfall from May to November could benefit agriculture but also elevate flood risks in these regions.