Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne announced that the gove ment will provide full compensation of Rs. 100,000 per hectare to farmers whose crops have been damaged.

Speaking to the media, the Deputy Minister assured farmers that necessary support would be given to restore their farmlands, including assistance from state institutions in the affected areas.

“The assessment of damaged farmlands and the number of affected farming families is currently ongoing. The gove ment is committed to providing the promised compensation and ensuring the restoration of farmland to its original condition,” he stated.

Many paddy fields have been buried under layers of sand, ranging from one to two feet deep, necessitating the use of machinery to clear the debris. The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts by gove ment institutions to rehabilitate the farmlands.

He further instructed officials to prioritize understanding and flexibility in assisting farmers, rather than rigidly adhering to existing circulars.