Daily milk production from cows in parts of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa has fallen to just one to two litres, as dry weather limits access to cattle feed and water.
Farmers said cows that once produced around seven to eight litres of milk a day are now producing only one to two litres.
That means daily milk output from an affected cow has fallen by roughly 71% to 88%.
The drop is putting more pressure on dairy farmers who depend on milk sales for their daily income.
Water Shortages Spread Across Seven Districts
The dry weather is also reducing water levels in several major and minor reservoirs.
The affected areas include the Giritale Reservoir in Polonnaruwa, Senanayake Samudraya in Ampara and reservoirs around Nochchiyagama and Kuda Oya Maduwa in Anuradhapura.
The impact has now spread beyond farming communities.
According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), dry weather has affected 84,545 people from 26,457 families across 25 Divisional Secretariat divisions in seven districts.
Emergency drinking water is currently reaching 75,734 people from 24,144 families across six districts.
Monaragala has the largest number of people receiving water, with supplies reaching 35,639 people from 11,074 families.
Batticaloa has another 28,253 people receiving drinking water, followed by 8,847 in Ampara, 2,646 in Polonnaruwa and 79 in Ratnapura.
Wildlife Also Feels the Impact
The falling water levels are affecting wildlife as well.
Fish deaths have been reported in some areas, while herds of wild elephants from Somawathiya National Park have reportedly moved towards Janaranjana Wewa in search of drinking water.
The situation shows how the dry spell is affecting milk production, farming, household water supplies and wildlife at the same time.
For dairy farmers, however, the sharp fall in milk production remains one of the clearest signs of the economic pressure created by the continuing shortage of food and water for cattle.
Anuradhapura Numbers & Indexes Polonnaruwa Public Security
Last modified: August 29, 2026
