The Groundwater Recharge Demonstration Unit, operated by the Groundwater Division (North Western Province) of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) in Wariyapola, was inspected by the Minister of Housing and Water Supply, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, on 14 January 2026.

The demonstration unit was established to raise awareness among communities in Sri Lanka’s dry zone about artificial groundwater recharge, facilitate scientific research in the field, and contribute to improving the livelihoods of people affected by water scarcity.

The unit demonstrates how rainwater collected from rooftops is directed into a rainwater storage tank, with the excess water being artificially recharged into the ground through specially designed recharge systems.

Since its establishment in 2021, the demonstration unit has provided awareness and training on artificial groundwater recharge to nearly 1,000 families in the dry zone. In the future, it is expected to further educate farming communities, government officials, private sector representatives, entrepreneurs, school students, and teachers.

The initiative highlights the benefits of artificial groundwater recharge, including maintaining soil moisture during prolonged droughts, increasing groundwater availability, improving groundwater quality, and enhancing the natural replenishment of water resources in the dry zone.

By promoting artificial groundwater recharge throughout Sri Lanka’s dry zone, the programme aims to strengthen water security, support sustainable agricultural activities, reduce poverty and water-related health issues, and ultimately improve the quality of life of communities living in water-scarce areas.