This working paper discusses how women with entrepreneurial and management skills in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts of Sri Lanka are successfully engaged in and help improve the sustainability of rural water supply schemes (RWSSs).
 
RWSSs carry risks of unsustainability in their post-implementation phase. In Sri Lanka, the integration of rural women with entrepreneurial and management skills into RWSS operations is expected to help improve sustainability and begin a positive cycle of development. The working paper presents qualitative findings and recommendations according to a case study-based analysis of 11 RWSSs in the districts.