Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Sri Lanka has made considerable progress on SDG 6. Data from 2016 suggests that around 88.8% of all households have access to safe drinking water, while 87% of the population possess on-site sanitation faciliteis. Nonetheless, required improvements in rural school sanitation, sanitation for disabled persons and issues related to groundwater contamination resulting from wastewater disposal, given that only 2% of households current have piped sewerage connections, have yet to be addressed. The country also faces numerous challenges related to water pollution and the depletion of water sources, due to poor natural resources management.
6.1By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.2By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations
6.3By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.4By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity
6.aBy 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
