Sri Lanka's state-run water supply board has asked customers to stop the use of tap water to wash cars and water plants in order to help avoid water cuts, as hot weather and drought gripped the island.
National Water Supply and Drainage Board Chairman B W R Balasuriya warned that the agency may have to implement cuts to the water supply if the high usage currently seen continues, according to The Sunday Times newspaper.
Tea plantations have been hit hard, with several estates reducing output.
Waterfalls in the Hill Country are reported to be running dry, with several tourists expressing concerns.
Sri Lanka's electricity board has also ramped up thermal energy generation with the drought reducing its ability to generate hydro power.