The prolong drought has affected a large population in the Puttlam district. More than 50,000 acres of paddy land have been destroyed while the Thabbo weva, Mahasen wewa and Maha kumbukkadawala tanks are running dry. Some 300,000 families are facing hardship for want of drinking water. Residents of these drought affected villagers are seen buying water from water tankers. Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe