Dry-weather conditions are affecting 168,906 people belonging to 51,959 families across 10 districts, according to the latest situation report issued by Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre on September 17.
The latest figures supersede the lower totals available when the September 17 morning News Desk was prepared.
The increase illustrates the continuing development of the dry-weather situation and the importance of using the latest Disaster Management Centre assessment rather than earlier figures.
The affected population is distributed across several parts of the country, with communities experiencing varying levels of water shortage and other effects associated with prolonged dry conditions.
Government agencies have been responding to drinking-water needs in affected areas while authorities assess the broader effects of the dry conditions.
Earlier Government reporting also indicated that assessments were being undertaken regarding effects on livelihoods, including agriculture, fisheries, livestock and small-scale employment.
Those assessments should not be interpreted as confirmation that a particular compensation amount, payment scheme or eligibility framework has already been announced.
The latest DMC figures describe the population currently recorded as affected by dry-weather conditions. They do not mean that every part of the 10 districts is experiencing the same severity of drought or water shortage.
Rainfall occurring in other parts of Sri Lanka also does not invalidate dry-weather impacts recorded in the affected areas.