Srilanka, Oct. 12 -- An El Nino year is rarely just about drought. It is about extremes. Current forecasts suggest Sri Lanka could face two connected phases. The first may bring heavier rainfall, localised flooding and landslide risks in the latter part of 2026. The second could be a prolonged dry spell stretching well into 2027, putting pressure on reservoirs, irrigation, groundwater, agriculture, hydropower and household water supplies.

The challenge, then, is not simply how much rain falls, but how well the country captures, stores and manages that water before the dry months arrive. What falls from the sky today will decide what is available tomorrow. Rain that races into the sea or evaporates from poorly maintained tanks leaves com...