Dry wells and shrinking water holes as drought grips Sri Lanka

Shrinking water holes, dry wells and parched fields show the impact of a prolonged drought in central Sri Lanka.

In Medirigiriya, villagers walk with plastic cans and clay pots to collect supplies, while tankers deliver water to communities where wells have run dry.

Farmers say the lack of rain has damaged crops and made it harder to earn a living.

The dry conditions are also taking a toll on wildlife in Yala National Park. Deer, monkeys and buffaloes gather around what remains of the watering holes, while authorities use tankers to keep them supplied.

Little rain during the current monsoon season, combined with high temperatures, has added to the strain.

Climate experts say El Niño and warmer temperatures linked partly to climate change may be contributing to the conditions.