Backup support for sustainable RWS in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, during the last few decades, many sector projects launched under international donor assistance have provided drinking water facilities in rural areas. Projects implemented at the beginning have concentrated on providing the facilities, with less emphasis on sustainability and no clear policy about the management responsibility. This saw the facilities provided becoming dilapidated or abandoned, making them ineffective in achieving ultimate objectives. It was also evident that when the communities served are dispersed, remote and relatively small, management by a central body is difficult. Hence, emphasis has lately been given to sustainability aspects, such as adopting demand driven approaches, making beneficiary communities responsible for management of facilities and recognising and empowering Community Based Organisations (CBOs).