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Last Updated : 2024-04-23 22:35:00
13 January 2017 08:26 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa today warned of an imminent food shortage, power and energy crisis and a scarcity of water for agriculture by March this year because Sri Lanka will not have any significant rain until mid March.
However, he told reporters that the government would take all possible measures to mitigate the effects of bad weather and appealed to the people to use water and power sparingly.
“The government has decided to import 250,000 metric tons of rice to offset any possible food shortage. We will do our best to soften the impact of the prolonged drought. The Irrigation Department has already curtailed the supply of water for agricultural purposes in certain areas so as to provide drinking water. Our main concern is the welfare of the people,” the minister told a news conference held at the Information Department.
When asked by a journalist, he said deforestation could not be named as the direct cause for the dry spell and added Sri Lanka’s forest cover still remains at around 23%.
With regard to the payment of compensation to those affected by the Salawa explosion, the floods in Kegalle and the landslide, the minister said a plantation company had agreed to release 350 acres of land to build houses for those displaced by floods and landslides in Aranayaka.
He said the government would pay Rs.400,000 on a staggered basis for 20 perches of land to those who have found a safe location to build their homes. (SAJ)
Video by Janaka
1110 Saturday, 14 January 2017 05:40 AM
I am 45 years now lived with a war 30 years . Never seen good time other than grace from god . Srilanka good time only for you minister and your friends not for us never will be .
Jagath Leanage Saturday, 14 January 2017 05:53 AM
OMG. After 2015 we do have a disaster time . We are wondering how to experience disaster time more than this .
Kadiya Saturday, 14 January 2017 06:28 AM
MR is preparing for WAR?????
Nilame Saturday, 14 January 2017 06:37 AM
Lies and deceptions of this government ! God curse ?
Cheers Saturday, 14 January 2017 07:26 AM
Another failure by the current government
Ranjit Saturday, 14 January 2017 07:31 AM
When are we going to have a better time under yahapalanaya?
gobbaya Saturday, 14 January 2017 07:35 AM
rice shortage....we all know the elephant in the room.for everything else the best FM of Asia Pacific has a very simple solution which is increase more taxes. via DM Android App
ANTON Saturday, 14 January 2017 07:52 AM
ACTUALLY WE WERE WELL PREPARED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF YOUR REGIME , NO NEED SPECIAL BEGINNINGS.
usaguy Saturday, 14 January 2017 09:41 AM
wait a sec...but the power and energy minister said we will never have power cuts again. via DM Android App
Jans Saturday, 14 January 2017 11:26 AM
Yes more Development more commissions via DM Android App
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