Seminar on managing water resources

Water security has acquired a prominent place in the global political, economic and security discourse given its indispensability to life on earth, development, energy and sanitation.

The increasing demand for water with rapid water pollution on one hand and consequences of the climate change on the other is going to be one of the greatest challenges faced by us in the coming decade.

Rapid economic growth in the developing countries has very high environmental costs. Unsustainable practices to spur economic growth have deteriorated 'water security' in these regions. Prevailing gender gaps have further complicated the situation given the policy making bodies are yet to recognise the importance in addressing gender issues in water management.

Even though Sri Lanka is not categorised as a region highly stressed for water, we are beginning to be affected negatively by drastic impacts of climate change, poor water management, and pollution. Apart from the changes in the monsoon cycles and resultant droughts, Sri Lanka has been facing a number of water related issues.

According to the Asian Water Development Outlook 2013, Sri Lanka fares badly in overall piped water access (29%) and urban waste water treatment (32%).

Sri Lanka is ranked 'hazardous' in terms of 'environment water security' and 'urban water security'. There is much to be done regarding improving resilience to water related disasters. For a country which depends on external supplies of fossil fuels to meet its energy requirements, Sri Lanka has not fully used its potential in generating hydroelectricity.

Understanding and recognising the importance of adopting a constructive approach to water for a better Sri Lanka, the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies will hold a seminar, 'A Day without Water: Managing Sri Lanka's Water Resource', on April 30.

This event is organised in the backdrop of International Water Day which fell on March 22 and to mark the International Year of Water Cooperation - 2013.

The seminar with the involvement of academics, practitioners and policy makers will provide a forum to share information on Sri Lanka's water table, dangers it faces and nexus between water, food, gender and energy. It will evaluate Sri Lanka's efforts to ensure the right to water and debate and discuss various water related problems.