• UN warns of agri activity disruption

Sri Lanka could face above-normal rainfall from October through February, increasing the risk of floods, inundation and disruptions to agricultural activities, the United Nations (UN) has warned, even as the Government moves to compensate farmers already affected by extreme dry weather.

The warning was issued in the UN’s latest assessment of the potential impacts of prevailing El Niño conditions across Asia, which identifies Sri Lanka as a country requiring heightened attention. Unlike some other countries facing increased drought risks, the key climate-related threat for Sri Lanka is expected to be excessive rainfall.

According to the assessment, significant rainfall is expected across many parts of the country in October and November, while above-average rainfall could continue from December to February with the activation of the Northeast Monsoon.

The UN warned that the combination of climate-related risks and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could place further pressure on Sri Lanka’s economy. However, it noted that there remains a critical window for preparedness, as the risks have not yet developed into widespread impacts.

Meanwhile, a Rs 5.8 billion-plus World Bank-funded programme has commenced to rehabilitate 296 minor irrigation tanks across the country and strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector.

The programme, implemented under the Integrated Rural-Urban Development and Climate Resilience Project, will continue until 2029.Under the regular rehabilitation component, work has commenced on six minor irrigation tanks in Polonnaruwa, Hambantota and Jaffna, with Rs 256.17 million allocated. A further Rs 5.58 billion has been allocated to rehabilitate 290 tanks in 18 Districts damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

The rehabilitation is expected to improve water-holding capacity, irrigation efficiency and farmers’ access to reliable water, while strengthening irrigation systems against heavy rainfall, floods and droughts.

However, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday (1) that nearly 8,000 acres of farmland belonging to around 7,000 farmers have already suffered crop damage due to extreme dry weather.

The Government has allocated Rs 3 billion for the first phase of an expedited compensation programme covering paddy, maize, big onions, potatoes, soya and chillies.  Farmers will receive Rs 100,000 per hectare, subject to a maximum of five acres per farmer.Anuradhapura has recorded the highest crop damage at 1,923 acres, followed by Monaragala (1,421), Polonnaruwa (1,259), Ampara (1,055) and Hambantota (783).