Navy provides drinking water to ponies affected by dry conditions on Delft Island

The Navy has begun supplying drinking water to ponies on Delft Island in Jaffna, where prolonged dry weather has caused water sources to dry up.

The initiative, launched on 21 August 2026, is being carried out by the Northern Naval Command as part of the Navy's contribution to environmentally friendly projects under the national Clean Sri Lanka programme, which aims to protect biodiversity.

The ongoing dry conditions in Jaffna District have led to a shortage of water for wildlife on Delft Island, including the ponies that are a notable feature of the island and attract both local and foreign tourists.

Under the supervision of the Commander Northern Naval Area, SLNS Vasaba on Delft Island has commenced the programme to provide drinking water to the pony population living in the Vellai area in the western part of the island. The initiative was intended to help protect Delft Island's biodiversity and preserve its natural environment for future generations.

Meanwhile, the Navy continues to provide clean drinking water to communities in Jaffna District through community reverse osmosis (RO) plants established across the islands to meet the drinking water needs of local residents.