But conservation groups point out that if farmers, householders or businesses take more water from rivers and lakes that are already poorly supplied, wildlife will feel the effects.

BBC: Hosepipe ban to be imposed in drought-hit parts of UK

Meanwhile, much of the stock of arms and ammunition available to the Tigers was lost in the recent war, so a new group would have to start from a poorly supplied base.

ECONOMIST: The uncertain future of Tamils in Sri Lanka

Rules that came into effect last year, forcing specialists to disclose their order books, have supplied clients with new information about how well, or poorly, their orders are being fulfilled.

ECONOMIST: Wall Street