COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 25 August 2026 – In a significant move to safeguard Sri Lanka’s vital livestock sector from the lingering effects of Cyclone Ditwah, a critical batch of vaccines under the National Post-Disaster Emergency Vaccination Program was officially handed over yesterday, August 20th. The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, saw the active participation of Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. K.D. Lal Kantha, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Mr. Namal Karunaratne, underscoring the government’s commitment to national food security and farmer welfare.
Addressing the Aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah
Cyclone Ditwah inflicted severe and widespread damage across the island, particularly devastating the livestock sector. The disaster led to a cascade of challenges, including the rapid spread of epidemic diseases among animals, critical animal health problems, widespread destruction of grasslands resulting in acute animal feed shortages, and extensive damage to farm infrastructure, culminating in significant animal losses. This calamity profoundly impacted domestic milk production, jeopardized the livelihoods of countless dairy farming families, and posed a serious threat to the nation’s overall food security.
The National Emergency Vaccination Programme
To counteract this urgent situation, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, with crucial support from the World Bank through the “Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project,” initiated an emergency response. The National Post-Disaster Emergency Vaccination Programme has been specifically formulated to bolster the health of the animal population by vigorously suppressing highly contagious diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), which have seen a surge in prevalence under the post-disaster conditions.
During the handover, Additional Secretary for Livestock Development Dr. Sisira Piyasiri and Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health Dr. Sanchika Perera received the vaccine stock on behalf of the Ministry. The programme’s inaugural ceremony took place on February 7th at the Thirappane Animal Breeding Centre and is being successfully implemented island-wide, with technical guidance from the Department of Animal Production and Health, in collaboration with provincial Departments of Animal Production and Health.
Charting a Course for Dairy Sector Growth
Beyond immediate emergency relief, the occasion also facilitated extensive discussions on the forthcoming National Dairy Production Programme (Dairy Hub), slated for implementation from 2026 to 2030. This ambitious initiative aims to threefold increase domestic milk production, thereby transforming local dairy farmers into prosperous entrepreneurs. Plans include significant infrastructure development and the establishment of new farms, targeting 5,035 livestock farms across Sri Lanka.
Recognizing the country’s limited land availability, the programme will strategically focus on enhancing production efficiency through existing resources rather than allocating new land. Furthermore, comprehensive steps will be taken to address long-standing issues pertaining to animal breeding, disease management, nutrition, and the adoption of cutting-edge agricultural technology.
Minister Emphasizes Accountability Amidst Challenges
Amidst these forward-looking discussions, concerns were raised regarding the practical implementation of the programmes at the provincial level, specifically highlighting a shortage of dedicated officers and inadequate vehicle facilities.
Responding to these challenges, Minister K.D. Lal Kantha reiterated the government’s readiness to formulate robust policy decisions and allocate the necessary provisions. He emphatically underscored that the ultimate responsibility for the successful ground-level implementation of these policies and the achievement of set targets rests firmly with the state officials.
Source: Read original document
