Training Programme on Urban Rainwater Harvesting, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage (MWS&D), Sri Lanka and Colombo based NGO, Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum (LRWHF) organised a three day training programme in Colombo on ‘Urban Rainwater Harvesting’ for Srilankan government officials between 27th and 29th April, 2011.

For sustainability of water resources in Srilanka a policy was formulated for encouraging rain water harvesting back in year 2005 and supported by modification of building bye-laws making provisions for rainwater harvesting systems. However the implementation of the rainwater harvesting in urban areas in Srilanka has been slow.  Also the wetlands and other water bodies in Srilanka are increasingly threatened and encroached adding to the water problems.  

Speaking at the inaugural Mr. Dinesh Gunawardane the Minister for Water Supply and Drainage, Sri Lanka talked about the usefulness of rainwater harvesting in the urban areas for sustainability of the water resources in Sri Lanka. He emphasized the need for scaling up implementation of rainwater systems in a time bound manner. Mr. N.D. Hettiarachchi, Additional Secretary (Development), MWS&D, Sri Lanka discussed the issues and challenges related to water sector in Srilanka. Mr. A. Abeygunasekara, Secretary, MWS&D, Sri Lanka reiterated the commitment of Ministry in promoting rainwater harvesting in Srilanka.   

Dr. Suresh Rohilla, Programme Director, Urban Water Management CSE, addressed the water problems in Sri Lanka and other cities of South Asia. He highlighted the need for experience sharing in addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable strategies such as rainwater harvesting to avert the crises.   

This training is second in the series of various trainings being organized for supporting Sri Lankan government officials. The focus of this training is to impart skills to Srilankan government officials in implementation of urban rain water harvesting systems.  The training programme is being attended by over 35 engineers from different parts of the country.


Date: 27-29 April, 2011

Venue: Construction Equipment Training Centre (CETRAC) No 17, D P Wijesinghe Mawatha, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka