IWMI launches water management system

The Sri Lanka Water Resources Information System, developed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), provides facts, figures and maps on trends in water availability, use and quality for the country, where water continues to be a critical issue.

The tool is available free online and is the first of its kind to help scientists and policymakers accurately monitor the dynamics of the country's water resources. It also provides a platform for cooperation among all the agencies involved in water management to share their data.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa launched the system during a visit to IWMI's headquarters in Colombo recently.

"It is a great honour for IWMI to welcome President Rajapaksa at our headquarters, and to formally launch the Sri Lanka Water Resources Information System," said Director General, IWMI, Jeremy Bird.

"While many parts of Sri Lanka have an abundance of water resources, huge areas experience water scarcity and hence competition among users for individual needs and livelihood, food production, industry, tourism and wildlife," he said.

"Growing threats from climate change will intensify competition, therefore, it is important to manage water resources efficiently and sustainably," Bird said.

"Tools such as the information system play a part in supporting Sri Lanka's continued development, economic growth and future prosperity," he said.

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a non-profit, scientific research organisation focusing on the sustainable use of land and water resources in agriculture, to benefit poor people in developing countries. IWMI's mission is "to improve the management of land and water resources for food, livelihoods and the environment."

IWMI has its headquarters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and regional offices across Asia and Africa.

The Institute works in partnership with developing countries, international and national research institutes, universities and other organisations to develop tools and technologies that contribute to poverty reduction and food and livelihood security.