Drought could reduce paddy production by 50%: PM

1 August 2017 04:30 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The ongoing drought could affect the whole country especially if the paddy production goes down by 50 per cent, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

The Premier made this statement at the unveiling of the pinnacle at the Sri Mamgalarama Temple in Galnewa last evening.

"There is a drought prevailing in the country at the moment. It has not affected this area alone as it could create a negative effect on the whole of Sri Lanka. It could make the paddy production go down by 50 per cent. Rice mills have to be closed down if that happens," the premier said.

He said the government had decided to go ahead with the Malwathu Oya project as per the request that has been made by the SLFP. "I had a discussion with Minister Duminda Dissamayake on the matter and he asked me whether there would be funds available to start the Malawathu Oya project and I said funds would be available. Therefore we will implement it soon " he said.

Further Mr Wickremesinghe said the excavation of historical Maha Vihara in Anurdhapura will begin soon and the temple will be relocated temporarily until the excavation and restoration is completed. Also he said Sri Lanka would make a significant doantion for the excavation and restoration of Kapilawasthu and Lumbini. Accordingly the premier said Sri Lanka would donate US dollars one million for it. He said this would be given with the savings that will be brought about with the signing of the Hambantota port agreement. "We would not have been able to engage in this meritorious deed if the government did not sign the Hambantota port agreement" the Prime Minister said.

Minister Dissanayake said he was happy to see the people of Galnewa getting together to develop the Mangalarama temple . "People living in areas such as Galnewa will always safe guard Buddhist temples" he said. (Yohan Perera in Galnewa)

Pic by Pradeep Pathrana

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Comments - 15

Diogenes Tuesday, 01 August 2017 08:18 AM

Citizens of Sri Lanka, lend me your ears! Even if the drought affects the paddy cultivation you are assured that there will be no scarcity of rice in this country as long as Nipuna-Nayaa and Heraliyaa the rice mafia is operating very successfully with the blessings of our government!

Nethra Tuesday, 01 August 2017 09:48 AM

The drought season is prevailing for the last so many years,why not utilize the extra water flows from the rivers,diverted to the drought areas as a relief.Handover the subject to Hon. Minister Champika Ranawake,who willdo it at least laying huge pipes underground and direct the water to flow to the drought areas.When the droughtseason changes the water flow can be stopped. This is nothing when highways are build up as huge projects.Action please give relief to the poor village farmers,rather than next drought season starts.Make a time frame and give it to the Engineering Corporation.

daily boru Tuesday, 01 August 2017 10:36 AM

But JVP says we have enough and more rice. Must be that they are cultivating rice in the moon.

Holy Land Messenger Tuesday, 01 August 2017 11:08 AM

Sir in Israel you can see how the Natural Water is Distributed and you can see Green every where - The Natural Fruits. Get Israel Support to irrigate these land with Natural Water

nimal Tuesday, 01 August 2017 11:20 AM

Buy dollars...it will appreciate further by next year...

Arnold Tuesday, 01 August 2017 11:58 AM

Politicians will be happy if everything is imported. BECAUSE they can cut commissions left right and center.

shanthapriya Tuesday, 01 August 2017 12:42 PM

If rain continues it will ruin the balance 50% also.(what our PM forgot to mention mistakenly)

Indrajith Tuesday, 01 August 2017 12:45 PM

Is it really the drought that did affect the paddy production or is it the "Wasa Wisa Nathi Ratak" theme which prevented the farmers using fertilizer.

ceylon Tuesday, 01 August 2017 01:20 PM

under your rule nothing increased.only decreased.resign and give the chance able men in unp. via DM Android App

nick Tuesday, 01 August 2017 02:25 PM

Just wondering who is going to give u a life line next time as tryme looking to be expired next term via DM Android App

Raj Tuesday, 01 August 2017 05:30 PM

Has this person become a blind and deaf, because he talks about everything except corruptions in his government!

Hesh Tuesday, 01 August 2017 05:30 PM

Ranil should be happy because he thinks agriculture is not wanted

HoxWagon Tuesday, 01 August 2017 06:17 PM

Yes, most probably it will reduce. But your empty speech will caused more damage to this island.

SL Tuesday, 01 August 2017 08:11 PM

why Baduyudeen let whole seller to import pepper when pepper harvesting is on going? is it to help whole sellers to buy local peer harvest for low price and sell them at high price few months later?

Gemba's Amma Tuesday, 01 August 2017 08:13 PM

No God to save you?

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Drought could reduce paddy production by 50%: PM

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