Water is the most essential of basic needs. Despite being surrounded by water and with many water sources within the country, 18% of Sri Lanka’s population has no access to clean water, and a large percentage of children suffer from water-borne diseases every year. Approximately 14% of the population has no access to sanitation facilities, and many lack the necessary knowledge and awareness on hygiene.

While supporting the Government’s efforts towards achieving its millennium goals (targeting 85% of the population with safe drinking water, and 70% of the population with safe sanitation by 2010), World Vision’s water and sanitation activities aim to support rural communities enabling them to gain access to clean and safe water supplies, sanitation and hygiene.