Sri Lanka allocates emergency funds to combat El Niño drought

Sri Lanka is facing an intensifying dry spell driven by the El Niño weather phenomenon, affecting over 81,000 people across seven districts. The drought has caused significant water scarcity, with water levels in hundreds of small tanks falling to approximately 10 percent. Emergency drinking water is currently being supplied to tens of thousands of residents, and the government has allocated Rs. 4.8 billion for water distribution, which includes support for wildlife in Yala National Park.

To mitigate the impact on the agricultural sector, the government has earmarked Rs. 3 billion for rapid agricultural insurance compensation. This funding aims to support farmers whose crops, including paddy, maize, big onion, potato, soybean, and chili, have been damaged. Reports indicate that approximately 8,000 acres belonging to nearly 7,000 farmers have been affected, particularly in the Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Anuradhapura, and Ampara districts.

Officials from the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board and the Department of Agrarian Development are conducting field evaluations to expedite payments. For certain crops, compensation is set at Rs. 100,000 per hectare, with a maximum limit of five acres per farmer. Authorities are emphasizing the need for improved water retention strategies, such as repairing irrigation networks and protecting catchment areas, to prepare for potential future weather extremes.