Priyanthi Fernando begins by giving readers a brief introduction to the functions of the HDI, Human Poverty Index (HPI) and the HPI-1. Two other measures included in the Human Development Report are the Gender Development Index (GDI) and the Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM). Overall, Sri Lanka fares well on the HDI however; its gender indicators are a matter for concern. Fernando then highlights the global concern of lack of access to clean water due to poverty, inequality and government failures. Priyanthi Fernando continues to say that the pollution of water in rural areas is due to the use of agrochemicals. Another factor is increasing salinity that is an adverse effect of excessive sand mining of rivers. Failure to manage water results in conflicts such as the one witnessed between the LTTE and the government of Sri Lanka. Fernando concludes that despite Sri Lanka having good aggregate indicators on human development and access to safe water and sanitation, there are many challenges yet to be met. It is required that the links between poverty and water be explored in greater detail in order to ensure that all citizens gain access to clean water.