IPS Researchers Identify Governance and Policy Alignment Gaps in Water Management for Climate Change Adaptation in Sri Lanka

“Agriculture is the largest water user in Sri Lanka and is highly vulnerable to climate change-induced disasters,” note IPS Research Fellows Dr Manoj Thibbotuwawa and Dr Erandathie Pathiraja, in their latest study titled ‘Aligning Agricultural and Environmental Policies Towards Integrated Water Governance in Sri Lanka.’ This study is featured as a chapter in the latest volume ‘Water Governance for Climate Change Adaptation in Sri Lanka,’ published by Springer.

The chapter examines how national environmental and agricultural policies can be better aligned to support effective, equitable, and sustainable water management across sectors. The policy analysis concludes that although the key sectoral policies of Sri Lanka acknowledge the significance of integrated water governance, some gaps remain in institutional coordination and policy alignment among the agriculture, water, and environmental sectors. These gaps affect water allocation mechanisms, equitable access, pollution control, climate adaptation, resilience, and the financial sustainability of water management systems.

The research points out that without stronger policy consistency and institutional cooperation, existing governance structures might find it difficult to provide a reliable, sustainable, and fair water use amid rising water demand and climate risks.

The Water Governance for Climate Change Adaptation in Sri Lanka: Status, Challenges, and Policy Options volume presents a comprehensive analysis of the water governance challenges associated with climate change adaptation across various scales and sectors., The volume examines the physical, political, and socioeconomic context of the water sector while exploring governance challenges related to climate change adaptation across multiple water-use sectors, including major and medium irrigation, minor irrigation, fisheries, livestock, and non-agricultural uses such as domestic, industrial, and power generation.