Drought batters 17 districts

Disaster Management Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara said yesterday the prevalent drought condition had affected a half million people in 17 districts.

“Monsoon rains failed this time triggering a drought. This can be attributed to global warming. Mannar, Jaffna, Batticaloa and Puttalam are the worst hit districts. Action has been taken to supply drinking water to those in affected areas,” he said.