Traditional paddy farming...

Farmers in the Kehelpannala area of Hemmathagama, within the Mawanella Divisional Secretariat, continue to use traditional techniques for paddy cultivation. While modern farming methods have become widespread, some rural communities still rely on age-old practices. The area is also known for its layered, terraced paddy fields, cultivated under the traditional ‘Helmalu’ system, a distinctive farming method practised in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Buffaloes play a vital role in traditional paddy farming. In Sri Lanka and across South Asia, they are used to plough and puddle rice fields, while also naturally fertilising the soil without the need for fuel or heavy machinery. This environmentally friendly method produces nutrient-rich organic fertiliser, helping to improve rice growth and soil fertility. Pix by Pethum Bandara