Colombo, Sri Lanka – August 28, 2026 – The vital Kachchimaduwa Tank, a cornerstone of agricultural prosperity for the Kottukachchiya Farmers’ Organization, has begun its journey to recovery following extensive damage sustained during the Ditwah disaster. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation officially launched the restoration work yesterday, August 27th, at an auspicious ceremony presided over by Minister K.D. Lal Kantha. The project, implemented by the Irrigation Department, carries an estimated cost of Rs. 200 million.
Revitalizing Agricultural Infrastructure
The commencement of restoration activities marks a significant step towards bolstering agricultural resilience in the region. The Kachchimaduwa Tank is crucial for irrigation, supporting numerous farming families. Its rehabilitation is part of the government’s broader commitment to developing and maintaining essential irrigation infrastructure across the island.
The inaugural ceremony saw the participation of several key figures, including Minister Prof. Chandana Abeyratne, Puttalam District Parliamentarian Mr. Ajith Gihan, other representatives of the political authority, and a host of government officials, underscoring the national importance placed on this project.
Minister Lal Kantha Emphasizes Farmer Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation
Addressing the gathering, Minister K.D. Lal Kantha highlighted the formidable challenges currently facing Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, particularly the struggle to ensure fair and just prices for farmers’ produce. “Today, providing a fair and just price for farmers’ produce in agriculture has become a major challenge. If there is no proper price and economic benefit within the market, there is no point in cultivating,” Minister Lal Kantha stated. He further stressed the ministry’s core responsibility: “Generally, the farming community of our country is poor. A key responsibility entrusted to our ministry is to eliminate that poverty.”
The Minister also acknowledged the difficulties in executing government work due to public service vacancies, despite significant financial allocations for irrigation projects. He articulated the distinct roles of spiritual leaders and the government, stating, “The responsibility of religious leaders is to enrich people’s spiritual life, while the government’s main role is to build up their worldly life.”
Strategic Initiatives for Agricultural Growth and Food Security
In his comprehensive address, Minister Lal Kantha outlined several governmental initiatives aimed at strengthening the farming community and ensuring food security. To address the issue of paddy purchasing, he announced plans to involve small and medium-scale rice mill owners by providing each with an interest-free loan facility of Rs. 25 million through the state treasury. Large-scale mill owners are also expected to purchase paddy at government-announced prices. Furthermore, the government intends to intervene with new technology to resolve the long-standing problem of wet paddy faced by farmers.
The Minister strongly advocated for diversification beyond single-crop cultivation, urging farmers to explore the livestock sector and broaden their income streams. He pointed out the disparity in paddy yields, noting, “You cannot make a profit by getting only 80 bushels of paddy per acre. Right now, in some areas of Sri Lanka, they are getting 200 bushels per acre.” He affirmed that the Department of Agriculture is implementing programs to significantly increase yield per acre, emphasizing the need for farmers to adhere to agricultural recommendations rather than farming haphazardly.
Addressing the animal feed sector, Minister Lal Kantha noted that Sri Lanka’s annual maize requirement stands at 700,000 metric tons, with only 300,000 tons produced locally. He announced steps to cease the import of the remaining 400,000 tons, opting to utilize rice in its place, and highlighted the potential for paddy farmers to enrich their economy by producing other rice-based products.
The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting paddy cultivation through fertilizer subsidies and improved irrigation facilities, advocating for a balanced application of both chemical and organic fertilizers.
Concluding his remarks, Minister K.D. Lal Kantha reiterated that the primary mission of his ministry is to ensure national food security and enhance the economic well-being of the farming community, underscoring that the active participation of farmers themselves is paramount to achieving these goals.
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